A Chinese startup called Manus AI has launched a new AI agent that claims to outperform established models like OpenAI’s Deep Research. This “general AI agent” can handle tasks such as resume screening, trip planning, and stock analysis autonomously, meaning it requires less user supervision. While early reactions have been mixed—some users praise its results while others point out its slow response and occasional crashes—Manus has quickly gained attention and invites to try its tool are highly sought after. However, questions remain about the product’s development and stability, as the company has not yet released detailed information about its technology. With competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic advancing rapidly, Manus aims to carve out its place in the AI Market.
HONG KONG – The race in artificial intelligence (AI) continues, with a lesser-known Chinese startup, Manus AI, claiming to outpace major US developers. For months, top AI companies have been striving to create advanced AI agents that can handle increasingly complex tasks on behalf of users.
Recently, Manus AI launched a preview version of its new general AI agent. This innovative tool can screen resumes, generate travel itineraries, and analyze stock trends based on simple user commands. Manus AI asserts that its service surpasses the performance of OpenAI’s Deep Research, a competing AI agent.
The creators of Manus AI emphasize that their product is “truly autonomous,” unlike many AI systems that require considerable user guidance. Yichao Ji, co-founder and chief scientist at Manus, highlighted this distinction. A demonstration video showcasing the tool gained significant attention, quickly going viral and prompting a rush for a limited number of trial invites.
Initial reactions from users have produced a mixed bag of feedback. While some users, such as Derya Unutmaz, a professor specializing in cancer immunotherapy, praised the tool’s output quality, they noted that it tends to process tasks more slowly than OpenAI’s offerings. Others have reported glitches, including system crashes and factual inaccuracies, which may stem from Manus’ limited computing resources.
Some critics are skeptical about the startup’s claims. Yiran Chen, an engineering professor at Duke University, described Manus as a “half-finished product.” Despite some functionality, he questioned whether Manus can maintain its competitive edge without fully developed technology.
Despite uncertainties surrounding its efficiency, the company behind Manus, Butterfly Effect, has raised over $10 million in funding, according to Chinese media reports. Unlike similar AI models that often share detailed technical papers and code, Manus has not released its underlying technology to the public, which raises questions about its development process.
Users of Manus AI can choose between two modes: a standard mode and a high-effort mode, which takes longer but performs tasks step-by-step. Many early users in the tech community believe Manus offers robust capabilities, stating that it competes well with existing tools on the Market.
In a time when leading AI players like OpenAI and Anthropic are unveiling new multi-step task agents, Manus AI is drawing attention for its ambitious claims and potential impact on the tech industry landscape.
Overall, as AI technology evolves, Manus AI’s emergence provides a fresh narrative in the competitive field, challenging established players and raising important questions about the future of artificial intelligence.
Key Terms: Manus AI, artificial intelligence, AI agents, OpenAI, technology innovation.
What are China’s Manus challenges for US tech firms?
China’s Manus refers to its efforts to develop advanced AI agents, pushing US tech companies to compete or cooperate. This competition affects how AI technologies evolve and where they are developed.
Why is AI development important?
AI development is crucial because it impacts many areas like healthcare, transportation, and finance. The race to create better AI can lead to improvements in efficiency, safety, and even quality of life for people around the world.
How are US tech firms responding to China’s AI efforts?
US tech firms are investing heavily in their own AI research and development. They are also seeking partnerships and collaborations to stay ahead in technology and innovation despite the challenges posed by China’s advancements.
What are the risks of the AI race between the US and China?
The competition can lead to increased tensions, data privacy concerns, and a potential technological divide. There’s also a risk that focusing too much on competition might slow down beneficial collaboration on global challenges related to AI.
How does this AI competition affect consumers?
Consumers may see the benefits of more advanced AI technologies in their daily lives, such as smarter personal assistants or improved healthcare solutions. However, there are also concerns about job displacement and privacy issues as AI continues to evolve.