Hajra Naz
Key Points
- Manus is developed by the Chinese startup Monica.
- It was launched on March 6, 2025.
- Manus outperforms OpenAI’s DeepResearch on the GAIA benchmark, according to its creators.
- It is an autonomous AI agent that can think, plan, and execute tasks independently.
What is Manus
A new Chinese AI agent named Manus has quickly captured global attention for its ability to autonomously execute complex, real-world tasks. Just weeks after DeepSeek made waves with its DeepSeek-R1 model, Manus has been hailed as a “second DeepSeek moment” for China. Developed by the Chinese startup Monica, Manus is positioned as an AI platform that “bridges minds and actions,” meaning it does not just generate ideas but also delivers tangible results.
Drawing Global Attention
Launched on March 6, 2025, Manus gained worldwide recognition within days, with many comparing it to the excitement that followed DeepSeek’s R1 model. According to its creators, Manus surpasses OpenAI’s DeepResearch on the GAIA benchmark, a leading standard for assessing general AI assistants.
A demo video shared on X quickly amassed over 200,000 views, with many users requesting invitation codes to test the AI agent. Unlike traditional AI models, which primarily offer responses to queries, Manus takes an autonomous approach, actively completing assigned tasks from start to finish.
How Manus Works
Manus is an advanced AI agent designed to operate autonomously across various industries. Its key highlight is its multi-agent design, which functions like an executive overseeing a group of specialized sub-agents. When given a complex issue, it separates the issue into reasonable components, allocates them to sub-agents, and monitors their advance, permitting it to handle multi-step workflows without human intervention.
Manus operates asynchronously, meaning users can assign tasks and disconnect from their devices while it continues working in the background. Some of its capabilities include:
- Creating detailed travel itineraries with real-time data.
- Analyzing stocks and comparing insurance policies.
- Designing interactive coursework for educators.
- Managing multiple social media accounts simultaneously.
- Generating and deploying code for software development.
Autonomous Task Execution
Unlike traditional chatbots, which require constant user input, Manus can execute tasks independently. If asked to write a report on climate change, for instance, it will autonomously research, draft, generate charts, and compile a final document—all without additional user prompts.
Manus also integrates cloud-based functionality, allowing it to operate across different platforms. A demonstration video showcased its ability to manage 50 different screens simultaneously, using platforms like X and Telegram in real-time.
The Rise of Manus in China and Beyond
Manus has gained rapid popularity in China, especially among AI researchers and tech enthusiasts. It has been tested on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, where it successfully completed complex real-world tasks. Influencers and early adopters have praised its capabilities, with AI analyst Rowan Cheung calling it a “game changer.”
Manus vs. US-Based Competitors
One of the key reasons Manus has gained global attention is its benchmark performance. The system has reportedly outperformed OpenAI’s DeepResearch agent and other leading AI models. However, some critics argue that Manus relies too much on existing AI models rather than developing its own foundational technology. Unlike DeepSeek-R1, which built its own AI model, Manus fine-tunes existing models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Alibaba’s Qwen models. The team is also testing an upgrade to Claude 3.7 for better performance.
Read More: What Is Deepseek? And How It Disrupted Tech World
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its impressive capabilities, Manus faces several challenges:
- Limited Access: Currently, Manus is available only through an invite-only beta program. Invitation codes have even been sold on China’s second-hand marketplace, Xianyu, leading to criticisms of its exclusivity.
- Scalability Issues: Due to server shortages, many interested users have been unable to access the platform.
- Regulatory Concerns: Manus has reportedly provided uncensored responses to sensitive topics, such as the Tiananmen Square protests, raising concerns about content control in China, where strict internet regulations are enforced.
- Future Development: Some analysts question whether Manus can maintain its current momentum and evolve into a widely adopted AI assistant beyond its initial hype.
The Future of Manus
Although Manus has already had an effect on China’s AI ecosystem, its long-term viability will rely on its capacity to grow, manage increasingly challenging tasks, and be more widely used. Although experts think it might be a significant advancement in human-machine cooperation, it is unclear if it will actually upend the AI market.
Manus is a major step toward completely autonomous AI agents, with China expected to lead the world in AI developments by 2025. It has the potential to influence the global future of AI-driven automation if it keeps developing and overcomes its obstacles.
