IT automation with agentic AI: Introducing the MCP server for Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform
Source: Red Hat Blog
Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform – MCP Server (Technology Preview)
Key Points
- Availability: Technology preview in AAP 2.6.4.
- Purpose: Connects MCP clients to the Ansible Automation Platform.
- Benefits:
- Unified management of the full infrastructure estate.
- Leverages AI assistants (Cursor, Claude) for smarter automation.
Getting Started
- Enable the preview feature – Follow the instructions in the Technology Preview documentation.
- Deploy the MCP server – Use the provided Ansible playbooks or the UI wizard.
- Connect your MCP client – Configure the client to point at the MCP server endpoint.
Resources
- Technology Preview Overview
- MCP Server Installation Guide (included with AAP 2.6.4)
- AI Assistant Integration Docs – Cursor & Claude
Note: As a technology preview, the MCP server is subject to change. Feedback is encouraged to help shape the final release.
What is the MCP Server for Ansible Automation Platform?
The MCP server for Ansible Automation Platform is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementation that lets Large Language Models (LLMs) interact with and manage Ansible Automation Platform via natural‑language conversations.
- Simplifies automation – users can trigger and query existing Ansible jobs through simple dialogue.
- Preserves governance – all actions go through the platform’s built‑in security and compliance controls.
- Enhances collaboration – teams can work with infrastructure automation without needing deep‑technical command‑line expertise.
In short, the MCP server provides a conversational interface to your automation estate, allowing you to operate Ansible Automation Platform without bypassing established controls.
Architecture Overview
The diagram illustrates the MCP server positioned between an MCP client (e.g., an LLM‑powered chatbot) and the Ansible Automation Platform, enabling secure, bidirectional communication.
How It Works and Why It Matters
With the addition of the MCP server, your AI tools and LLMs of choice can now talk directly to Ansible Automation Platform. This enables users to:
- Navigate, query, and understand automation environments.
- Orchestrate automation workflows using natural‑language commands.
Deployment & Configuration
- Installation – The MCP server is installed automatically as part of the standard Ansible Automation Platform installation.
- Modes – After deployment, administrators can choose one of two operating modes:
| Mode | Description | Typical Use‑Case |
|---|---|---|
| Read‑only | Safe querying and monitoring only. | Auditing, reporting, troubleshooting. |
| Read‑write | Allows AI agents to execute jobs and apply changes. | Automated provisioning, remediation, continuous delivery. |
Security Model
- Dual‑layer protection – Combines server‑level settings with user‑level permissions.
- RBAC inheritance – By connecting directly to Ansible Automation Platform APIs, the MCP server adopts the caller’s role‑based access control (RBAC) and governance policies.
- Role‑based access – Secure, granular access to jobs, content, monitoring, and administrative functions ensures that AI agents can only perform actions explicitly permitted by both the server configuration and the user’s permissions.
Benefits of a Natural‑Language Interface
- Simplified automation – Users can describe tasks conversationally instead of writing code or YAML.
- Lower learning curve – Both seasoned engineers and newcomers can interact with automation more intuitively.
- Accelerated delivery – Faster creation, testing, and execution of automation workflows.
Demo Overview
The demo illustrates five real‑world scenarios, ranging from zero‑touch deployments to intelligent troubleshooting. Each scenario shows how the MCP server:
- Maintains strict security and governance.
- Makes automation more accessible through natural language.
Feel free to adapt the modes, security settings, and demo content to match your organization’s specific requirements.
Installation Options
The MCP server can be deployed on two types of AAP installations:
| Platform | Deployment method | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9/10 | Containerized installer | Runs as a pod alongside AAP components; exposed on port 8448 with HTTPS enabled. |
| Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (v4.12‑v4.17 and later) | AAP Operator | Operator manages the server’s lifecycle and automatically creates the required OpenShift routes. |
Official Documentation
- RHEL (containerized installation) – Deploying Ansible MCP Server – Containerized Installation
- OpenShift (operator installation) – Deploying Ansible MCP Server – OpenShift Container Platform
The docs cover:
- Installation steps
- Server‑level and user‑level permission configuration
- Connecting external AI agents (e.g., Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, VS Code)
Feedback & Issues: Submit via this form.
Available Toolsets
The MCP server currently provides six specialized toolsets, each targeting a specific role or use case.
| Toolset | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Job Management | List job templates, launch automation jobs, and monitor real‑time status. |
| Inventory Management | Query inventory for host details, check group membership, and verify system facts. |
| System Monitoring | Retrieve job logs, troubleshoot failed tasks, and assess the health of the automation environment. |
| User Management | Administer user access and organizational structure within AAP. |
| Security & Compliance | Act as a security operator—manage sensitive credentials and verify platform integrity without exposing raw secrets. |
| Platform Configuration | Inspect and tune AAP infrastructure (e.g., settings, resources). |
Feel free to explore the toolsets, experiment with AI agents, and let us know how the MCP server works for you!
Next Steps
The MCP server for Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform is central to our strategy of blending AI integration with enterprise automation. By combining the security‑focused, robust capabilities of Ansible Automation Platform with the conversational power of agentic AI, we’re unlocking new possibilities for IT collaboration, automation, and innovation.
We’re excited to see what you’ll build with this technology! Since it’s still in technology preview, your hands‑on experience is essential for shaping its future.
Ready to Dive In?
- Explore – Download it and try it in your own environment today.
- Collaborate – Found a bug or have a “what‑if” feature idea?
- Connect – Share your feedback via this form.