When Manus AI agent first appeared on my radar, like many following the AI space, I wasn’t immediately convinced. My first exposure had me cycling through phases of understanding, questioning what this tool truly offered.
Initially, it looked like just another standalone agent showing impressive results. Then the fact came out that it relied on Claude’s computer use functionality. At that point, I became skeptical – was this another rebranded project built on open source tech, purely for profit gains?
But as more information appeared, a more well-defined picture came: Manus AI is significantly more than a basic Claude implementation. Let’s analyze what makes this tool valuable and why that value matters in the increasing world of AI agents.
What is Manus AI?
Monica.im developed Manus AI as a multi-component of several key technologies:
- Built on top of Claude Sonnet’s capabilities
- Uses Claude’s computer use functionality
- Implements a multi-agent orchestration layer
- Integrates with 29 tools for web interaction
- Uses the E2B open source agent runtime framework
No component by itself is particularly unique, and some are open source. The actual value comes from the coherent integration of these components giving a simpler experience.
The Multi-Agent Architecture
The main selling point of Manus AI is its multi-agent orchestration layer. In comparison to single-agent systems, Manus divides complex tasks into smaller parts that can be handled simultaneously by specific sub-agents.
This enables the model to:
- Divide workflows, such as resume screening or stock analysis into manageable steps
- Run various aspects of a task at the same time
- Solve problems more effectively through specialization
The architecture creates a team of AI workers that specialize in tasks that collaborate, instead of a general model handling everything in sequence.
Tool Integration:
Manus AI has up to 29 integrated tools significantly, greatly increasing its abilities. These tools allow it to:
- Interact directly with web browsers
- Access and use APIs
- Run code in restricted areas
- Directly Deploy Solutions
- Fetch and process real-time data
Manus AI is able to construct a site from nothing by combining its language with several tool integrations such as writing the code and deploying it.
| Component | Function | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Sonnet | Core language processing | Text generation and understanding |
| Computer Use | AI interactions with computer interfaces | Automates web-based tasks |
| Multi-Agent Orchestration | Coordinates specialized agents | Runs tasks at same time |
| 29 Web Tools | Allow it to interact better across the web | Be more than text generation |
| E2B Framework | Provides basic runtime environment | Good Open-source base |
The E2B Framework: Open Source Origins
Manus AI’s utilizes the E2B open source agent runtime framework. The framework provides a solid base for the model to reliably execute. The developer community has tested its design and structure.
Manus AI gets several upsides from building on the E2B, instead of starting from nothing:
- Reliability and Good Performance
- New Code and Bug fixes
- Quick Development
The framework fits with my claim that companies should utilize existing models. It is better to integrate and improve the user experience rather than spending time building it.
Manus AI Compared to Similar Models
To understand its position, we can compare it directly to similar AI agents in the market:
- OpenAI’s Operator: Better at reliability but more narrow in use
- Anthropic’s Claude: Is its language base but lacks the orchestration layer
- Generic AI Wrappers: Basic Model Access
It is a wrapper but it is still useful. It’s not like China is beating the US, as some sensationalists will tell you, but they made a nice product with a bunch of open source tools.
For a guide to how I categorize AI see comparing AI models.
Stand-Out Attributes
These stand-out attributes make it useful:
Autonomous Workflow
Unlike similar programs that need guidance, it can run a workflow. For example, this can be content creation or travel planning.
Multi-Modal Processing
Manus handles different data and types such as text, code and images. Through this, it can automate code, and study images.
Adaptive Learning
It learns as the user interacts with it and can become better with new tasks.
GAIA Performance
The GAIA performance helps objectively check the performance of AI to see how it performs overall. Manus has proven to be above similar competing models.
Note that benchmarks do not guarantee accurate testing. While it’s not the best sign, the scores won’t actually show what the model will do in a real world scenario like when discussing how Claude beats GPT in a live test case.
Is It Worth It?
The real issue is whether it is even worth using the program. It gets considerable value from:
- Integration: It can combine technology into a simplified platform
- Accessibility: Functionality Available through a simpler form.
- Autonomy: Less Supervision Needed
That savings converts to better AI usage.
How Manus Fits on My Spectrum
Manus is not a 100% Distraction on my spectrum that shows basic models and features. Nor is it a 90% model.
I would classify It at around:
- 40% Model(Structured interactions)
- 20% Model (Custom Solutions)
It does get most services from Claudes core but has other features. .
Where You Can Use Manus
The model works well in these scenarios:
- Research and Analysis: Finding, Compiling into Easy to Present Info
- Content Creation: Produce articles across categories
- Workflow Automation: Manage basic automated tasks
- Customer Service: Able to help with customer services
The integration makes those features very useful.
Restrictions
It is not without problems:
- It inherits problems from other models
- Too much for simpler needs
- Has accuracy Problems
Approach Manus with an understanding of its limitations.
Future of The Multi-Agent System
Manus represents agents that work together to produce useful output. Human Teams work in the same way.
I believe the AI will go to this type of design where it blurs the line with workflows. The core upside will be AI models that work separate.
Should You Use Manus AI?
From thinking it was nothing more than a Claude skin to now, I’m much more keen on the program. The value is how accessibly it creates a powerful platform.
The coordination layer delivers innovation beyond using similar models. Businesses and Individuals may benefit from using the model.
It should be tested because of new advances to gauge performance. It is interesting to see how the accessible platform works.
