Is anyone else eagerly waiting for Manus to save the day? My inbox is buried under 5,800+ unread emails, and my direct messages are constantly overflowing. I feel like I’m drowning in information and want to go on strike.

Overflowing Emails and DMs

Now, I can’t wait to rub my hands and wait for Manus’s application code! Come and save me, Manus!

 On March 6, 2025, AI development ushered in a major moment — Manus was released! This is an autonomous AI agent that can independently complete complex real-world tasks without direct human guidance. It was created by the Chinese startup Monica. 

The name Manus comes from the Latin “Mens et Manus” (head and hand), which coincides with the motto of MIT, symbolizing the perfect combination of creativity and execution.

Xiao Hong — China’s “Ultimate AI Warrior”

To understand Manus, you first need to know its founder — Xiao Hong, widely recognized as the “Hexagonal Warrior in AI” for his exceptional technical expertise and commercialization skills. 

Image source: Sina Technology Monica Founder Xiao Hong

Born in the 1990s, Xiao Hong is already a seasoned entrepreneur:

2015: Founded Nightingale Technology, launching WeChat tools Yiban Assistant and Weiban Assistant, serving 2M+ business users. The project was later acquired by a unicorn in 2020.

2022: Founded Butterfly Effect and launched the AI browser plug-in Monica — initially a ChatGPT-for-Google tool. It quickly amassed 10M+ users, becoming a top AI assistant worldwide.

Xiao Hong actually started raising funds for Manus back in 2017, selling 10% equity for 3M RMB (USD 410K). At the time, many investors were skeptical. But through persistence and innovation, Manus has emerged as the world’s first general AI agent, redefining what AI can achieve.

What problem does Manus solve?

We often say that your knowledge and vision shape your life. Many people set goals — like saving $10,000 for a trip — but struggle to create a clear, actionable plan. That’s where Manus comes in!

As an AI agent, Manus doesn’t just give advice — it independently plans and executes complex tasks, delivering real results. Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

1. Autonomous Execution — No need for constant prompts. Manus completes tasks independently. 

2. Multitasking Mastery — It can handle multiple tasks at once, even unpacking compressed files automatically. 

3. Smart Task Breakdown — When tester Ma Ning asked Manus to “explain Bernoulli’s principle to a 4-year-old”, Manus didn’t just generate text — it created an interactive webpage with balloons, airplanes, and bubbles, plus mini-games to make learning fun. In contrast, ChatGPT or DeepSeek would only provide a text-based explanation.

Technical Advantages 

 Manus uses a Multiple Agent architecture, leveraging tools like code writing, web browsing, and app operation within a virtual environment to complete tasks. In the GAIA benchmark*, it even performs better than other AI products, such as OpenAI.

* The GAIA benchmark is a test that measures how well an AI agent can plan, execute, and complete real-world tasks independently — without constant human guidance.

Is Manus Better Than General Large Language Models?

Manus and general large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek and ChatGPT aren’t the same kind of product. 

As serial entrepreneur Fu Sheng aptly puts it, LLMs are the core of intelligence — like a deep-thinking brain. Manus, on the other hand, enhances AI’s usability by adding a “shell” to this powerful brain, enabling it to seamlessly connect with websites, tools, and the real world.

Serial entrepreneur Fu Sheng

Here’s a simple analogy:

•   LLMs are like Stephen Hawking (the famous physicist behind A Brief History of Time) — brilliant, deep thinkers but limited in interacting with the world.  
• Manus is like Hawking’s wheelchair, empowering him to communicate and act freely.

A Brief History of Time Stephen Hawking

What makes Manus unique? It bridges the gap between intelligence and execution, turning AI’s knowledge into action.

Is Manus the World’s First General AI Agent?

This claim is a bit tricky. Large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek and ChatGPT are “general” by nature, while AI Agents like Manus act more like specialized templates built on human experience, enhancing LLMs’ capabilities in specific areas. Since each field requires different templates, it’s nearly impossible for AI Agents to cover all domains and achieve true “generality.”

In the future, we’ll likely see multiple specialized agents — much like humans, who share similar intelligence but develop unique professional skills through different training. So agents are destined to be experts, not jacks-of-all-trades.

What’s your take on Manus? Share your thoughts below!

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