Key Points
- Meta is acquiring the Chinese AI startup Manus. Manus creates “digital employees” that automate tasks such as research.
- Meta will integrate the technology into its products, including Meta AI.
- The acquisition is part of a broader trend of big tech companies acquiring AI talent.
- Manus claims its AI agent is superior to a comparable tool from OpenAI.
Meta is making another big move in the artificial intelligence race. The company announced on Monday that it is buying Manus, a Chinese AI startup that creates “digital employees.” This acquisition is the latest sign that tech giants are acquiring smaller, smarter companies to gain an edge in the AI space.
Manus specializes in building a general-purpose AI agent. It’s software that can act as a digital worker. It can handle tasks such as research, data entry, and other automated jobs independently, requiring minimal human oversight.
The startup is so confident in its technology that it has even claimed its agent outperforms OpenAI’s similar tool, DeepResearch.
Meta plans to use the technology in two main ways. First, they will continue to sell the Manus service to other businesses. Second, and more importantly, they will integrate AI into their products, including the Meta AI assistant you see on Facebook and Instagram. This is part of a bigger strategy for the company.
Earlier this year, Meta invested heavily in Scale AI and even hired its young CEO, signaling it is willing to spend heavily to secure top AI talent and tools.
Manus, which was established in Singapore but owned by a Beijing company, gained recognition by offering to complete tasks in X for free to promote its product. Meta did not release the financial details of the deal. Still, the acquisition demonstrates that the race to build the smartest AI is intensifying, with large companies acquiring innovative startups to accelerate their progress.
