Manus, developed by the Chinese AI startup Monica, is an advanced AI agent designed to autonomously execute complex tasks, setting a new benchmark in the evolving field of artificial intelligence. Launched on March 6, 2025, the AI system has generated significant interest worldwide due to its capability to plan, think, and execute tasks independently without continuous human supervision. Many in the AI community have drawn comparisons between Manus and the powerful AI systems developed by OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Some users who have tested Manus even claim it functions like a general-purpose AI, capable of handling diverse tasks ranging from research and content creation to financial analysis and travel planning.
The AI community is particularly excited about Manus’s ability to operate autonomously in a cloud-based environment, allowing users to assign tasks without needing to remain connected. Its advanced functionalities include real-time browsing, workflow tracking, and seamless multi-tool integration. According to its developers, Manus outperforms OpenAI’s DeepResearch model in GAIA benchmark tests, with a significantly lower task execution cost of just $2 per query. This affordability, combined with its advanced capabilities, has sparked discussions about China’s growing presence in AI development, positioning Manus as a strong competitor to Western AI models.
Key Features of Manus
Autonomous Task Execution
Manus is designed to work independently. Once a user provides an instruction, the AI agent processes it in the cloud and continues working even if the user disconnects from the platform. This feature makes Manus stand out from many AI systems that require constant user interaction. The AI agent is capable of breaking down complex prompts into structured tasks, conducting research, and generating detailed reports.
Real-Time Interaction and Live Workflow Display
Unlike traditional AI chatbots that provide static text-based responses, Manus actively interacts with its environment. It browses websites, gathers real-time information, and utilizes multiple platforms such as Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). In demo videos shared by its developers, Manus can be seen interacting with live web pages, generating spreadsheets, and even taking screenshots to enhance its reports. For instance, when prompted to create a 7-day Japan travel itinerary, the AI displayed a live breakdown of its planning process while curating a day-by-day itinerary.
Multi-Tool Integration
Manus operates within a sandbox environment, allowing it to access and integrate with various external tools. The AI can generate files such as PDFs, presentations, and spreadsheets, making it useful for business professionals, researchers, and content creators. Additionally, it can interact with financial databases to analyze stock trends, making it an appealing tool for investors.
Personalization and Adaptive Learning
Over time, Manus learns from user interactions, enabling it to refine its responses and tailor its outputs to match individual preferences. This feature is similar to reinforcement learning in AI, where a model continuously improves based on user feedback. Unlike standard chatbots that rely on predefined data sets, Manus adapts dynamically to new information, enhancing its reliability for long-term users.
Background Processing for Uninterrupted Task Completion
One of Manus’s standout features is its ability to work in the background. Users can assign a task and disconnect from the platform while the AI continues processing in the cloud. Once the task is completed, Manus sends a notification with the final output. This feature is particularly beneficial for handling long-duration tasks such as market research, academic writing, and software development.
Beyond Text-Based Results: Interactive AI Agent
Manus is not just a chatbot—it is an interactive AI agent capable of engaging with digital environments in real-time. Unlike conventional AI models that generate static responses, Manus actively browses the web, interacts with online tools, and records browsing activity. For example, if a user asks it to generate a financial report, Manus can extract data from multiple sources, analyze trends, and compile a comprehensive document. It can also create multimedia presentations, making it a versatile tool for professionals across various industries.
Performance and Reception
The early reception of Manus has been overwhelmingly positive, with many AI experts praising its capabilities. The model reportedly surpasses OpenAI’s DeepResearch in benchmark tests, particularly in the GAIA evaluation, which measures the efficiency of AI agents in handling complex tasks. Additionally, Manus is said to achieve superior performance at a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive alternative to Western AI solutions.
Some experts believe that Manus could signal a shift in the AI landscape, with China emerging as a major player in the development of autonomous AI systems. The AI race has largely been dominated by American companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, but the rapid advancements made by Chinese firms suggest that competition is intensifying.
However, some concerns have also been raised about data privacy and security, especially given China’s history of strict internet regulations. While Manus promises cutting-edge AI capabilities, questions remain about how user data is handled and whether the AI operates with transparency.
Current Availability and Future Plans
As of now, Manus is available only via an invitation-based web preview. The developers have not announced a public release date, but industry analysts expect an official rollout in the coming months. Monica, the company behind Manus, has also stated that it plans to open-source the model, allowing developers to customize and integrate the AI agent into their own projects.
How to Use Manus AI
Using Manus is similar to other AI platforms such as ChatGPT or Grok. The process involves:
- Providing a Prompt: Users input a request, such as "Create a 10-page research paper on renewable energy" or "Plan a 7-day trip to Bali within a $2,000 budget."
- Autonomous Processing: Manus begins working on the request in real time, browsing the web, gathering data, and analyzing relevant sources.
- Live Workflow Display: The AI agent shows its progress on-screen, providing users with insights into its decision-making process.
- Final Output: Once the task is completed, Manus generates the requested document, spreadsheet, or multimedia presentation and notifies the user.
Conclusion
Manus represents a significant leap in AI development, pushing the boundaries of autonomous task execution and real-time digital interaction. With its ability to operate independently, analyze complex data, and produce structured outputs, Manus sets a new standard for general-purpose AI agents. As the competition in the AI industry heats up, Manus could become a major player, challenging existing AI solutions from Western companies. Whether it lives up to its early hype remains to be seen, but its potential impact on the AI landscape is undeniable.
