Templates / Scalable multi-agent chat using @mentions

Scalable multi-agent chat using @mentions

Needs changes

by Jon Doran · 16,889 views · created 2025-04-08 · Engineering, AI Chatbot

Needs changes. This template uses 1 thing(s) that n8n 3.0 removes: AI Agent v1 (old agent modes). 1 breaking item(s) found. Static check, last run 2026-10-19.

What to replace before upgrading

Removed in 3.0Replace with
AI Agent v1 (old agent modes)
AI Agent (v1.8)
Latest AI Agent node (Tools Agent). For SQL Agent, use a Postgres or MySQL tool with a recent AI Agent.

Nodes used (8)

AI AgentSimple MemoryOpenRouter Chat Model

What it does

Summary Engage multiple, uniquely configured AI agents (using different models via OpenRouter) in a single conversation. Trigger specific agents with @mentions or let them all respond. Easily scalable by editing simple JSON settings. Overview This workflow is for users who want to experiment with or utilize multiple AI agents with distinct personalities, instructions, and underlying models within a single chat interface, without complex setup. It solves the problem of managing and interacting with diverse AI assistants simultaneously for tasks like brainstorming, comparative analysis, or role-playing scenarios. It enables dynamic conversations with multiple AI assistants simultaneously within a single chat interface. You can: Define multiple unique AI agents. Configure each agent with its own name, system instructions, and LLM model (via OpenRouter). Interact with specific agents using @AgentName mentions. Have all agents respond (in random order) if no specific agents are mentioned. Maintain conversation history across multiple turns. It's designed for flexibility and scalability, allowing you to easily add or modify agents without complex workflow restructuring. Key Features Multi-Agent Interaction: Chat with several distinct AI personalities at once. Individual Agent Configuration: Customize name, system prompt, and LLM for each agent. OpenRouter Integration: Access a wide variety of LLMs compatible with OpenRouter. Mention-Based Triggering: Direct messages to specific agents using @AgentName. All-Agent Fallback: Engages all defined agents randomly if no mentions are used. Scalable Setup: Agent configuration is centralized in a single Code node (as JSON). Conversation Memory: Remembers previous interactions within the session. How to Set Up 1. Configure Settings (Code Nodes): Open the Define Global Settings Code node: Edit the JSON to set user details (name, location, notes) and add any system message instructions that all agents should follow. Open the Define Agent Settings Code node: Edit the JSON to define your agents. Add or remove agent objects as needed. For each agent, specify: "name": The unique name for the agent (used for @mentions). "model": The OpenRouter model identifier (e.g., "openai/gpt-4o", "anthropic/claude-3.7-sonnet"). "systemMessage": Specific instructions or persona for this agent. 2. Add OpenRouter Credentials: Locate the AI Agent node. Click the OpenRouter Chat Model node connected below it via the Language Model input. In the 'Credential for OpenRouter API' field, select or create your OpenRouter API credentials. How to Use 1. Start a conversation using the Chat Trigger input. 2. To address specific agents, include @AgentName in your message. Agents will respond sequentially in the order they are mentioned. Example: "@Gemma @Claude, please continue the count: 1" will trigger Gemma first, followed by Claude. 3. If your message contains no @mentions, all agents defined in Define Agent Settings will respond in a randomized order. Example: "What are your thoughts on the future of AI?" will trigger Chad, Claude, and Gemma (based on your default settings) in a random sequence. 4. The workflow will collect responses from all triggered agents and return them as a single, formatted message. How It Works (Technical Details) 1. Settings Nodes: Define Global Settings and Define Agent Settings load your configurations. 2. Mention Extraction: The Extract mentions Code node parses the user's input (chatInput) from the When chat message received trigger. It looks for @AgentName patterns matching the names defined in Define Agent Settings. 3. Agent Selection: If mentions are found, it creates a list of the corresponding agent configurations in the order they were mentioned. If no mentions are found, it creates a list of all defined agent configurations and shuffles them randomly. 4. Looping: The Loop Over Items node iterates through the selected agent list. 5. Dynamic Agent Execution: Inside the loop: An If node (Fi

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