This article details how to build powerful, local AI automations using n8n, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), and Ollama, aiming to replace fragile scripts and expensive cloud-based APIs. These tools work together to automate tasks like log triage, data quality monitoring, dataset labeling, research brief updates, incident postmortems, contract review, and code review – all while keeping data and processing local for enhanced control and efficiency.
**Key Points:**
* **Local Focus:** The system prioritizes running LLMs locally for speed, cost-effectiveness, and data privacy.
* **Component Roles:** n8n orchestrates workflows, MCP constrains tool usage, and Ollama provides reasoning capabilities.
* **Automation Examples:** The article showcases several practical automation examples across various domains, from DevOps to legal compliance.
* **Controlled Access:** MCP limits the model's access to only necessary tools and data, enhancing security and reliability.
* **Closed-Loop Systems:** Many automations incorporate feedback loops for continuous improvement and reduced human intervention.
**Key Points:**
* **Local Focus:** The system prioritizes running LLMs locally for speed, cost-effectiveness, and data privacy.
* **Component Roles:** n8n orchestrates workflows, MCP constrains tool usage, and Ollama provides reasoning capabilities.
* **Automation Examples:** The article showcases several practical automation examples across various domains, from DevOps to legal compliance.
* **Controlled Access:** MCP limits the model's access to only necessary tools and data, enhancing security and reliability.
* **Closed-Loop Systems:** Many automations incorporate feedback loops for continuous improvement and reduced human intervention.
The series of articles by Adam Conway discusses how the author replaced cloud-based smart assistants like Alexa with a local large language model (LLM) integrated into Home Assistant, enabling more complex and private home automations.
1. **Use a Local LLM**: Set up an LLM (like Qwen) locally using tools such as Ollama and OpenWeb UI.
2. **Integrate with Home Assistant**:
- Enable Ollama integration in Home Assistant.
- Configure the IP and port of the LLM server.
- Select the desired model for use within Home Assistant.
3. **Voice Processing Tools**:
- Use **Whisper** for speech-to-text transcription.
- Use **Piper** for text-to-speech synthesis.
4. **Smart Home Automation**:
- Automate complex tasks like turning off lights and smart plugs with voice commands.
- Use data from IP cameras (via Frigate) to control external lighting based on presence.
5. **Hardware Recommendations**:
- Use Home Assistant Voice Preview speaker or DIY alternatives using ESP32 or repurposed microphones.
1. **Use a Local LLM**: Set up an LLM (like Qwen) locally using tools such as Ollama and OpenWeb UI.
2. **Integrate with Home Assistant**:
- Enable Ollama integration in Home Assistant.
- Configure the IP and port of the LLM server.
- Select the desired model for use within Home Assistant.
3. **Voice Processing Tools**:
- Use **Whisper** for speech-to-text transcription.
- Use **Piper** for text-to-speech synthesis.
4. **Smart Home Automation**:
- Automate complex tasks like turning off lights and smart plugs with voice commands.
- Use data from IP cameras (via Frigate) to control external lighting based on presence.
5. **Hardware Recommendations**:
- Use Home Assistant Voice Preview speaker or DIY alternatives using ESP32 or repurposed microphones.
A no-install needed web-GUI for Ollama. It provides a web-based interface for interacting with Ollama, offering features like markdown rendering, keyboard shortcuts, a model manager, offline/PWA support, and an optional API for accessing more powerful models.
