AI chatbots are evolving, but what if an AI could go beyond answering questions and actually execute tasks?
That’s the promise of Manus AI, a new autonomous agent developed by the Chinese startup Monica.
I just got access to the beta version and put it to the test. Here’s my breakdown of how it works, what it got right, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What is Manus AI?
Manus AI is an autonomous agent, meaning it doesn’t just respond like ChatGPT or Claude; it actively plans, researches, and executes multi-step tasks on its own.
It’s built on Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Alibaba’s Qwen models, designed to browse the web, compile research, generate reports, and automate workflows.
Currently, it’s invite-only, but I’ll walk through how you can request access.
Watch My First Look at Manus AI in Action:
Getting Access to Manus AI
Right now, Manus AI is in beta, and you need an invite to use it.
1) Go to manus.im and click “Get Started”
2) Choose “Join the Waitlist” (unless you have an invite code)
3) Fill out a short survey explaining how you plan to use the tool
4) I got access within an hour, so the approval process seems fast
Once inside, the interface looks similar to a chatbot, but under the hood, it’s doing much more.
Is Manus AI Useful? My Verdict
Strengths:
- Multi-step execution: Not just a chatbot, but an agent that takes action
- Web browsing & research: Pulls data from multiple sources
- Structured output: Clear summaries, detailed breakdowns, and recommendations
- Great for planning & analysis: Can automate workflows beyond Q&As
Limitations:
- Takes time to run: ~15-20 minutes per task
- Some logic gaps: e.g., booking windows not considering today’s date
- Limited daily uses: I hit the usage cap after one deep test
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Manus AI?
Yes, if you want an AI that does more than chat.
While it’s still early, agents like Manus AI are the next step in AI evolution—handling complex workflows, research, and task automation.
I’d love to test it for data analysis, research, and productivity tasks next. If you’re curious, I recommend signing up for the beta and seeing how it fits into your workflow.
Check it out here → manus.im
AI agents like Manus are just the beginning. Knowing what to automate and where to focus is the real challenge.
I run AI & Strategy Sprints to help you:
- Identify high-impact opportunities
- Streamline workflows & free up time
- Focus on integrating AI for success
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, investment, legal, financial, or tax advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with professional advisors before making business decisions.
