Manus AI: a new generation of autonomous agents
- Joan Torras Ragué
- Jan 16
- 3 min read

In the fast-moving ecosystem of artificial intelligence, we are witnessing a paradigm shift: the transition from models that respond to instructions to systems that act autonomously. In this context emerges Manus AI, a platform that has attracted international attention for its radically different approach compared to traditional conversational AI.
This article analyzes what Manus is, its value proposition, and how it compares with other leading solutions on the market.
What is Manus AI?
Manus is an action-oriented AI, designed as an autonomous agent capable of executing complex tasks from start to finish. Unlike classic models that are limited to suggesting or drafting, Manus:
Breaks down complex goals into subtasks
Decides the optimal order of execution
Uses digital tools (browsers, APIs, files, work environments)
Learns from outcomes and adjusts its behavior
Its philosophy can be summarized in a clear idea: “not helping you do the work, but doing it with you — or for you.”
Key capabilities of Manus
From a functional perspective, Manus stands out for:
Operational autonomyIt can work for long periods without human intervention, managing complete processes.
Multi-step reasoningIt is not limited to an immediate response: it plans, executes, verifies, and corrects.
Real-world goal orientationManus does not answer “what it would do,” but actually does it: it researches, compares, generates deliverables, and makes operational decisions.
Tool integrationIt is designed to operate in real digital environments, not just within a chat interface.
Comparison with other relevant AI systems
Manus AI vs ChatGPT (OpenAI)
OpenAI popularized generative AI with ChatGPT, an exceptional tool for:
Writing
Analysis
Ideation
Conversational support
Key difference:
ChatGPT is reactive (it waits for instructions).
Manus is proactive (it pursues objectives).
While ChatGPT is an intellectual copilot, Manus acts more like an autonomous digital manager.
Manus AI vs Claude (Anthropic)
Anthropic, with its model Claude, stands out for:
Safety
Ethical reasoning
Clarity in long-form texts
Claude is ideal for structured thinking and deep analysis, but it is not designed to execute complex tasks autonomously, which lies at the very core of Manus.
Manus AI vs Gemini (Google)
Google has integrated advanced AI into Gemini, with particular strength in:
Multimodality
Integration with the Google ecosystem
Response speed
However, Gemini remains primarily oriented toward intelligent assistance, not toward the full delegation of processes, which is where Manus aims to differentiate itself.
Summary comparison table
Platform | Main focus | Level of autonomy | Best suited for |
Manus AI | Autonomous agent | Very high | Execution of complex tasks |
ChatGPT | Conversational AI | Medium | Creativity and analysis |
Claude | Safe reasoning | Medium | Long-form text and reflection |
Gemini | Multimodal AI | Medium | Google ecosystem |
Why Manus represents a paradigm shift
Manus points toward a future in which AI will not merely be a tool, but an operational actor within organizations. Its approach is particularly well suited to:
Consulting
Digital operations
Market research
Project management
Knowledge automation
In this sense, Manus does not directly compete with large general-purpose models, but rather opens up a distinct category: results-oriented autonomous agents.
Conclusion
Manus AI is not “just another AI,” but a clear signal of where the industry is heading: systems that plan, decide, and act. Compared to brilliant conversational models that still depend on the user, Manus proposes an AI capable of taking on real operational responsibilities.
For professionals and organizations seeking exponential productivity, Manus represents a logical — and potentially disruptive — evolution in the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.



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