Manus AI isn’t just another AI chatbot—it’s a fully autonomous agent that performs tasks by planning, browsing, coding & automating workflows. To understand how Manus AI works, we need to explore its Modules, Tools, and Workflow structure.
In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how Manus AI works by exploring its:
✅ Core modules
✅ Technical tools
✅ Workflow process
✅ Practical examples & applications
How Manus AI works, it is depends on Manus AI built on 4 powerful modules, each performing specialized functions to ensure smooth & efficient task execution.
1. Planner Module (The Task Architect)
This is the brain behind Manus AI’s task management.
Breaks large tasks into manageable subtasks
Creates a todo.md checklist
Follows a numbered pseudocode plan
Ensures logical sequence of actions
Example:
If your goal is to build a website, Planner will outline steps like:
Gather design assets
Write HTML & CSS
Deploy website
Verify final output
2. Knowledge Module (The Expert Advisor)
Offers best practices & methodologies
Provides task-specific expertise
Acts like a consultant for Manus AI
Example:
While writing a technical blog, it will suggest content structure (e.g., introduction, benefits, conclusion) automatically.
3. Datasource Module (The Researcher)
This module ensures that Manus AI works with verified information.
Connects to APIs (e.g., Weather, Stock Data)
Conducts web searches (if APIs don’t cover)
Refers to internal knowledge (as last option)
Example:
If you ask for “Latest market trends 2025″, Datasource will prioritize authoritative APIs before web scraping.
4. Tools Module (The Action Taker)
This is Manus AI’s hands & legs.
Uses a suite of interactive tools to perform actions
Tools include: Browser, Shell, File Manager, Code Runner, and Deployment system
Example:
Manus AI can browse a website, scrape data, write a Python script, and deploy it—all autonomously.
Technical Environment of Manus AI
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| OS | Ubuntu 22.04 (Linux sandbox) |
| Language | Default English (adaptable) |
| Programming | Python 3.10, Node.js 20.18 |
| Security | Sandbox isolation + Browser takeover (optional) |
Detailed Toolset of Manus AI
Let’s understand exactly what tools Manus AI can use during workflows.
| Tool | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Browser | Navigate, click, scroll, fill forms, extract data |
| Code Editor | Write, edit & run code (Python, Node.js) |
| File Manager | Upload, download, organize files |
| Shell Terminal | Execute system commands & scripts |
| Image Handler | Save, upload & edit images |
| Deployment Tool | Deploy static sites & Next.js apps |
✅ Browser Automation Examples
-
Booking flights
-
Researching products
-
Filling forms (contact/purchase)
✅ Coding Automation Examples
-
Write data visualization dashboards
-
Build & deploy websites
-
Automate SEO reports
Manus AI’s Workflow Explained (Step-by-Step)
Let’s visualize the real journey of how Manus AI works when you assign a task.
1. Task Assignment & Planning
-
The user defines the task goal
-
Manus AI analyzes the scope
-
Generates todo.md plan
2. Research & Resource Collection
Accesses the Datasource APIs
Conducts web searches
Gathers & verifies info from multiple sources.
3. Execution & Automation
Writes code, executes scripts.
Browses websites, extracts data.
Automates workflows step-by-step
Builds apps, deploys websites
4. Communication & Interaction
Sends progress notifications (message_notify_user)
Asks for essential approvals (message_ask_user)
Suggests browser takeover (for sensitive tasks)
5. Task Completion & Result Delivery
Finalizes the todo.md checklist
Provides outputs (reports, apps, dashboards)
Enters standby mode for the next task
Why This Workflow Stands Out (Advantages)
✅ Structured Execution → Step-by-step clarity
✅ Tool Mastery → Real-world automation
✅ Reliable Data → API & verified web sources
✅ Human Collaboration → Clear user communication
✅ Scalability → Handles small to complex projects
Real-Life Applications of How Manus AI Works
| Use Case | How Manus AI Executes |
|---|---|
| Market Research | Collects industry data, analyzes trends, creates report |
| SEO Automation | Researches keywords, builds content outlines, auto-publishes |
| App Prototyping | Designs wireframes, codes front-end/back-end, deploys |
| Content Creation | Researches, drafts long-form blogs, formats, cites sources |
| Business Automation | Automates reports, dashboards, form submissions |