China's Manus AI advances autonomous agents over chatbots
China's Manus AI is a new technology that could change how people use artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional chatbots, which only provide answers, Manus can perform real tasks with little human help. This marks a big step in AI, moving towards systems that can work as virtual assistants, teachers, and more. Currently, Manus is in a limited testing phase, making its claims about autonomy and capability hard to verify. The developers say it is the first AI agent that can execute tasks independently. Their video showcases Manus doing things like screening job applications and analyzing stock data. This is different from chatbots like ChatGPT, which can only generate text. The technology behind Manus, called "Mens et Manus," uses advanced algorithms. It combines large language models with deterministic algorithms, giving it the ability to act, not just respond. For instance, Manus can write and run computer code, collecting and analyzing data on its own, something traditional AI cannot do. Despite being a proprietary system, Manus is built on open-source technology and its developers plan to share parts of it in the future. The creators admit Manus is not yet artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is the ultimate goal of AI. AGI would be capable of learning and performing any task like a human. The development of AI has become a competitive race, especially between the U.S. and China. Many believe that AI will play a major role in the future, influencing areas like healthcare and economy. Historically, U.S. companies have led AI innovation, but China's Manus and previous technologies are narrowing the gap. If Manus achieves its potential, it could change the landscape of AI and challenge Western companies. The demand for easy-to-use AI tools is growing, and Manus represents a shift towards technology that can act on behalf of users. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday tasks, the relationship between humans and machines will evolve significantly.