Kubernetes
Kubernetes, sometimes abbreviated as k8s and pronounced "koo-ber-NET-eez," is an open-source system for managing and automatically deploying applications in containers. It was originally designed by Google and is now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Kubernetes supports a range of container tools, including containerd and rkt.
On this page
Source content checked . English translation published 2026-10-27.
In business automation
Kubernetes manages container deployment, replication, and recovery. In automation, it comes into play when you run n8n, queues, or agents yourself and need more than a single server, not when you use only a managed cloud tool.
Examples
These examples illustrate a possible workflow. Adapt the connections and rules to your own systems.
Deploying a workflow engine
A team runs an automation engine in several replicas. Kubernetes starts a new replica after a crash and keeps secret settings out of the code. Version updates are rolled out gradually so all runs do not stop at once.
Relevant tools
- n8n
- You can host it on your own infrastructure; container orchestration is an infrastructure decision separate from visual editor workflows.
What to check
- A deployment without resource limits and backups can leave processes stuck after a storage failure.