China’s Manus AI Agent Emerges as a Potential Game-Changer
Just weeks after the Chinese AI developer DeepSeek Ltd. launched a low-cost alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, another Chinese startup named Monica has captured global attention with Manus AI, a new autonomous AI system.
Launched on March 6, Manus AI is designed to “bridge minds and actions” and perform tasks independently, without requiring specific instructions from users. Early reports suggest the system could be a significant competitor in the AI landscape.
Manus, according to its creators, surpasses OpenAI’s DeepResearch model on the GAIA benchmark, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
Unlike chatbots such as ChatGPT, Grok, and Google’s Gemini, which require human input, Manus can make decisions progressively and complete tasks autonomously. If a user asks Manus to “find me an apartment,” it will not only search real estate listings, but also evaluate factors like crime rates, weather, and commute times to present tailored recommendations.
Manus’s architecture is not based on a single model; it employs multiple specialized sub-agents. This allows for complex, multistep workflows. It works asynchronously, notifying users only when results are ready.
Media outlets have highlighted Manus as a potential game-changer, representing a shift toward independent AI systems.
Got access and it’s true… Manus is the most impressive AI tool I’ve ever tried. – The agentic capabilities are mind-blowing, redefining what’s possible. – The UX is what so many others promised… but this time it just works. prompt: “code a threejs game where you control a…
— Victor M (@victormustar) March 8, 2025
This tweet reflects the excitement surrounding the UX capabilities of Manus.
Potential Applications and Concerns
Manus has a number of potential real-world applications. It can analyze resumes, cross-reference job market trends, and generate a list of desirable candidates complete with detailed reports. It can create websites from scratch, and once designed, deploy them online, handling technical issues. Such capabilities raise concerns about job displacement and regulatory oversight.
In a glowing report, Forbes claims that Manus promises to “change everything” by trampling on the idea that the U.S. is the uncontested leader in AI development. It says Manus is proof that China has not only caught up with the U.S., but potentially overtaken its rival in the race to develop fully autonomous AI agents.
This statement highlights the potential shift in AI leadership.
Challenges and Limitations
Currently, Manus is available only to select beta testers via invitation. There have been reports of error messages, endless loops, mistakes in factual questions, and a failure to appropriately cite its research. Some testers have pointed out issues of basic errors. For example, Manus made a mistake in a report, failing to identify the Nintendo Switch.
Other early testers, including TechCrunch’s Kyle Wiggers, reported that Manus struggled with seemingly simple tasks such as ordering a sandwich, booking a hotel room, or developing a Naruto-inspired fighting game.
Despite reported challenges, the arrival of Manus has sparked widespread interest. It remains to be seen whether the challenges can be resolved, but the emergence of Manus challenges the assumption that Silicon Valley will dominate the AI field.
