Oracle Expands Its AI Ambitions with Database 26ai and Built-In Agent Frameworks

Oracle has unveiled AI Database 26ai, a major update to its long-term support database line, designed to bring agent-based automation directly into enterprise data environments. The release introduces new tools — including the Select AI Agent, AI Agent Factory, and deeper integration with Oracle’s MCP Server — aimed at helping developers and IT teams embed intelligent automation into everyday workflows.

From Generative AI to Agentic Intelligence

Following the 2023 launch of Oracle Database 23c (later renamed 23ai to reflect its AI enhancements like vector search), the new 26ai release represents a strategic evolution. Rather than focusing solely on generative AI, Oracle is now emphasizing agentic AI — intelligent systems capable of taking autonomous actions and orchestrating tasks on behalf of users.

This shift signals Oracle’s intention to make AI an active participant within the database itself, not merely a supportive feature. “The idea is to make AI agents first-class citizens inside the database,” explained Tony Baer, chief analyst at dbInsight.

Select AI Agent: The Core of Agentic Automation

At the heart of the update lies the Select AI Agent, an in-database framework that extends the Select AI feature introduced in 2023. While Select AI enabled natural-language querying of data, the new agent framework allows developers to build, deploy, and manage intelligent agents that can act on database insights autonomously.

According to Oracle, the Select AI Agent includes both pre-built internal tools and external integrations via REST APIs and MCP Servers, making it adaptable for various enterprise use cases.

Alexander Wurm, principal analyst at Nucleus Research, described it as “Oracle’s version of an agent-builder platform — one that gives professional developers a pro-code environment to tightly integrate database logic with AI context and reasoning.”

Empowering Non-Technical Teams with AI Private Agent Factory

To complement the developer-focused Select AI Agent, Oracle is also rolling out the AI Private Agent Factory — a framework that provides a no-code option for deploying private, containerized agents.

This version targets security and platform teams that need automation but lack deep technical expertise. Stephanie Walter, AI stack practice leader at HyperFRAME Research, noted that the Factory’s functionality is geared toward “controlled, private environments where compliance and data isolation are essential.”

She compared the offering to Snowflake’s managed MCP tools and Google’s ADK patterns for self-hosted agent deployment.

Oracle’s Broader Strategy: Automation at the Core

The release of AI Database 26ai highlights Oracle’s continued investment in AI-driven enterprise automation. By embedding agentic intelligence directly into its database layer, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging landscape where data management, AI, and automation converge.

With both pro-code and no-code frameworks available, Oracle is making it easier for organizations of all sizes — from developers to infrastructure teams — to experiment with and deploy intelligent, self-operating systems built around their data.