In this Tech Insight, we look at how Manus, China’s latest AI agent, is redefining autonomous AI applications, its connection to Browser Use, and whether this signals a new shift in search engine optimisation (SEO) and business strategy.
Agentic Applications
It seems that AI is no longer just about answering questions or generating text, but is also now executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Enter agentic applications, a new breed of AI designed to act on behalf of users, making decisions and performing actions autonomously. These agents can book flights, manage projects, analyse data, and even interact with software, the kinds of tasks that previously required direct human involvement.
Manus is one of the most ambitious examples of this emerging technology. Unlike a chatbot, which passively waits for input, an AI agent like Manus actively seeks out solutions, using multiple tools and web services to accomplish goals with minimal guidance.
China’s ‘Manus’ AI Agent
Manus was launched on 6 March this year and has already been dubbed the world’s first general-purpose AI agent. It was created by Monica, a Chinese AI startup backed by major investors including Tencent and Sequoia Capital China. Initially developed as an AI-powered browser plugin, Manus has since evolved into a fully autonomous digital assistant.
Its capabilities go beyond those of traditional AI chatbots. For example, instead of simply retrieving information, Manus also acts on it. Users have reported that Manus can handle complex tasks such as rebooking flights, summarising legal documents, and even conducting independent research. Manus has reportedly outperformed OpenAI’s Deep Research and Anthropic’s Operator in benchmark tests, proving its ability to operate autonomously with high accuracy.
Exclusive
Manus has become so exclusive that its beta access invite codes are selling for up to £11,000 on resale platforms. While it is still in its early stages, its performance has already sparked a global conversation about the future of AI agents.
Manus CEO Xiao Hong has been open about the vision behind the product, stating: “[Manus] isn’t just another chatbot or workflow. It’s a completely autonomous agent that bridges the gap between conception and execution. We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration.”
Manus is, therefore, positioning itself not just as another AI tool but as a shift in how AI can integrate with daily life.
How ‘Browser Use’ Powers Manus
Manus wouldn’t be as powerful without Browser Use, a tool that enables AI to navigate the web more effectively. Developed by a Swiss startup, Browser Use allows AI agents to click on elements, extract data, and interact with web applications just like a human would.
After Manus’s launch, Browser Use downloads surged from 5,000 per day to 28,000 in a matter of days. This is because Manus relies on it to function smoothly, automating interactions with websites in a way that traditional AI assistants cannot.
For example, Browser Use enables AI to:
– Extract and analyse web content by understanding HTML and visual elements.
– Automate web navigation for tasks such as online shopping, booking reservations, and filling out forms.
– Manage multiple tabs and run complex workflows in real-time.
This kind of web automation is now opening new doors for AI, but it also raises questions about how businesses optimise their websites for AI interaction.
A New Kind of SEO?
With AI agents like Manus autonomously browsing and interacting with websites, it may be the case that businesses need to rethink their SEO strategies. For example, traditional SEO focuses on optimising content for human users and search engine algorithms, but what happens when AI agents become the primary visitors to a site?
Some experts believe we are entering an era of AI-first optimisation, where companies must ensure their websites are structured in a way that AI agents can easily interpret. This could involve:
– Making sites more AI-readable, with clear data structuring and interactive elements.
– Optimising for AI decision-making, ensuring product information and services are easily accessible for automated interactions.
– Reducing friction in transactions, making it easier for AI agents to complete bookings, purchases, and other actions.
The implications for businesses are vast. For example, if AI agents start making decisions on behalf of users, such as booking the best-rated hotels or purchasing products based on past behaviour, companies will need to focus on making their offerings AI-friendly to remain competitive.
New Challenges (and Opportunities) For Businesses
All this means that for companies looking to stay ahead, the rise of AI agents like Manus presents both challenges and opportunities. These could include, for example:
– Automation at scale. Businesses could now use AI agents to streamline customer support, market research, and administrative tasks.
– AI-powered personalisation. With AI making decisions on behalf of users, companies will need to ensure their products and services stand out in AI-driven recommendations.
– New compliance and security concerns. As AI agents navigate sensitive information, data privacy laws and security measures may need to evolve.
While Manus and Browser Use are still in their early days, their rapid rise suggests that agentic applications could become mainstream far sooner than expected. This means that businesses that start preparing for an AI-driven future now may be best positioned to capitalise on this shift.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
As AI agents begin to reshape online interactions, UK businesses may need to seriously consider the implications of this technology. From retail and finance to customer service and logistics, companies need to adapt their digital presence to accommodate AI-driven decision-making.
For UK-based e-commerce platforms, ensuring products and services are easily discoverable by AI agents looks likely to be critical. AI-optimised listings and seamless purchase experiences will determine whether an AI agent selects a business over a competitor. In financial services, AI agents could automate complex client interactions, helping with portfolio management, compliance, and fraud detection.
However, concerns about data privacy and regulation remain. The UK’s AI Safety Summit in 2023 signalled a commitment to ensuring AI development aligns with ethical standards, and companies leveraging AI agents must be mindful of GDPR compliance and transparency in AI-driven decision-making.
The bottom line here is that UK businesses may now need to start exploring AI-readiness strategies, not just for SEO, but for operations, security, and customer engagement. Those who embrace AI-driven automation early may stand to gain a competitive advantage in what looks likely to become an increasingly autonomous digital landscape.
