Are we past the era of AI chatbots patiently waiting for us to give them commands, and entering the era of autonomous AI agents that don't need our input? If you ask Chinese AI visionaries, the answer is simple: Absolutely yes!
Chinese startup company Manus last week unveiled what they describe as the world's first fully autonomous AI agentThe name “Manus” comes from Latin and means "hand", because this AI agent is supposed to literally taking the user's thoughts and turning them into actions.
Sounds futuristic? Maybe a little creepy? Wait until you hear the rest of the story.
AI that doesn't need it Your orders? Manus decides for himself!
Unlike popular AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and otherswaiting for your question or request, Manus decides what needs to be done and whenIn other words, doesn't wait for your confirmation – it just works.
Its creators explain that Manus does not use just one artificial intelligence model, but it works like team leader who manages specialized sub-agents.
What does this look like in practice? Manus is given the task, breaks it down into smaller steps, coordinates the appropriate AI agents, and does the work itselfThen he just tells you dryly: “Done.” No additional questions, no unnecessary explanations, no “Are you sure you want to continue?”
If its creators are to be believed, Manus could greatly speed up the operation of complex systems, but... there's one problem.
AI takes control? Who will be responsible if something goes wrong?
While some see this as a technological breakthrough, others – quite rightly – wonder: Who bears responsibility if Manus makes the wrong decision?
Regulators around the world have already on standby, as this raises a whole range of ethical and legal issues. What happens if an AI agent makes a decision that harms humans? Who will be held accountable if Manus causes a financial disaster or mismanages production machinery, leading to an accident?
Let's not forget, AI chatbots have already proven themselves as unreliable, because they have a habit hallucinate and create misinformation. Is Manus immune to these problems? Its creators say it is – but the reality remains to be seen.
Is China overtaking? Where is the rest of the world?
Another interesting fact: after DeepSeek is Manus already the second revolutionary AI agent from China, which technologically outperforms its US competition.
If the leading players in the field of artificial intelligence have been Google, OpenAI and Microsoft, it may be time to reevaluate this claim. China has not only caught up with the American giants – in some aspects it has even surpassed them.
And Europe? Well, let's just say that Brussels should maybe be doing something other than just regulation and meetings on the topic. “what should we do” …
Conclusion: Will Manus change the rules of the game?
One thing is certain: Manus and similar AI agents will changed the balance of power and reshaped the rules of the game.
Will we soon see them in business, the military, healthcare, and everyday life? Definitely. Will they bring progress or chaos? Well, that remains to be seen.
Either way, the world is no longer the same. AI is no longer waiting for us – now decides for himself.”
Are you ready for this?