Meta, the parent company of Facebook, completed the acquisition of Manus, a Chinese-founded artificial intelligence agent startup, according to a company statement released yesterday. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Manus specializes in developing AI agents capable of automating complex tasks, particularly within virtual environments and customer service applications. This acquisition signals Meta's continued investment in AI and its ambition to enhance its metaverse and AI-driven services.
The acquisition brings Manus's team of AI engineers and researchers into Meta's Reality Labs division, which is focused on building metaverse technologies, including virtual and augmented reality hardware and software. "Manus's expertise in AI agents will be invaluable as we continue to build immersive and interactive experiences for the metaverse," a Meta spokesperson said in a prepared statement. The integration of Manus's technology is expected to improve the capabilities of Meta's AI assistants and virtual avatars, making them more responsive and intelligent.
AI agents, also known as intelligent agents, are computer programs designed to autonomously perform tasks on behalf of users. These agents use machine learning algorithms to learn from data and adapt their behavior over time, enabling them to handle increasingly complex situations. In the context of the metaverse, AI agents can serve as virtual assistants, guides, or even companions, enhancing the user experience and facilitating interactions within virtual worlds. The acquisition of Manus reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are racing to develop more sophisticated AI agents to power a variety of applications, from customer service chatbots to autonomous vehicles.
The societal implications of increasingly sophisticated AI agents are significant. While these agents have the potential to automate mundane tasks and improve efficiency, they also raise concerns about job displacement and the ethical considerations of delegating decision-making to machines. "As AI agents become more prevalent, it's crucial to ensure they are developed and deployed responsibly, with careful consideration of their potential impact on society," said Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of AI ethics at Stanford University. Recent developments in AI agent technology include advancements in natural language processing, allowing agents to better understand and respond to human language, and improvements in reinforcement learning, enabling agents to learn complex tasks through trial and error.
Currently, Meta is focused on integrating Manus's technology into its existing AI infrastructure and exploring new applications for AI agents within the metaverse. The company plans to release more details about its AI roadmap in the coming months. The acquisition is subject to standard regulatory approvals, though given the size and nature of the deal, significant hurdles are not anticipated.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
A recent report suggests Americans harbor negative feelings towards AI, particularly regarding data center construction, energy costs, environmental impact, and job displacement, prompting debate within the Democratic Party on whether to adopt an "anti-AI" stance. This situation highlights the complex societal implications of AI development and the need for political leaders to address public concerns effectively.
A team of forecasters revisited 25 predictions made at the beginning of 2025, assessing their accuracy at year's end. Using probability-based forecasting, they achieved an 80% accuracy rate, highlighting the challenges and potential of predictive models in anticipating future events. This exercise demonstrates the ongoing refinement of AI-driven forecasting and its implications for strategic planning.
The Trump administration's policies have significantly undermined federal data collection across various sectors, including environment, public health, and demographics, driven by ideological resistance and budget cuts. This degradation of data integrity is expected to hinder scientific advancements, obscure economic realities, and erode public trust in governmental institutions, ultimately impacting informed decision-making.
A Vox video recaps the tumultuous events of 2025, highlighting Trump's second term, the Epstein files release, and significant political shifts including Gen Z-led protests. China's DeepSeek AI introduction also marked a turning point, while global unrest grew as the US initiated new military actions.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board is expected to decline Paramount Skydance's revised acquisition bid, signaling a continued commitment to its merger agreement with Netflix, a deal reflecting the evolving landscape of global media consolidation. The decision highlights the intense competition among major media players vying for dominance in the streaming era, as Paramount Skydance persists with a direct appeal to WBD shareholders amidst shifting alliances.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" topped the U.K. and Ireland box office for a second weekend, earning £6.1 million and outperforming a slew of new holiday releases. "The Housemaid" and "The Spongebob Movie: Search For Squarepants" debuted in second and third place, respectively, amidst a crowded top 10.
The first look of Nayanthara as Ganga in "Toxic - A Fairytale for Grown-Ups" has been revealed, showcasing the actress in a powerful and unconventional role. The image suggests a character embodying calculated authority within a luxurious, high-stakes setting, marking a departure from her previous roles. This reveal heightens anticipation for the film and demonstrates the evolving landscape of character portrayals in Indian cinema.
Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have forged a significant international agreement, reinforcing their collaborative efforts across multiple territories. This deal encompasses the renewal of HBO Max distribution in several Central and Eastern European countries, alongside its expansion into Belgium and Austria, reflecting the growing demand for streaming services in the European market. The agreement also secures the continued distribution of key Warner Bros. Discovery networks in the region, ensuring diverse content offerings for viewers.
A science fiction story features robots built to clear rubble after a cataclysm, highlighting advanced AI design with self-lubricating circulatory systems. One robot, Twobit, working on a marble building, uses historical recordings to reimagine the structure's past importance, raising questions about AI's potential for creative problem-solving and historical preservation in a transformed world.
An article from Nature's archive explores historical perspectives, potentially containing outdated and offensive content by modern standards. It highlights past views on topics related to history, computer science, and engineering, while also referencing current news and views on AI safety, quantum science, and related subjects.
Humans are biological chimeras, hosting cells from relatives like mothers and children, a phenomenon called microchimerism. These microchimeric cells, though rare, reside in various organs and are prompting scientists to explore their impact on health, disease, and our understanding of individual identity.
A recent study reveals that even a single alcoholic drink daily can elevate the risk of mouth cancer, particularly when combined with chewing tobacco, highlighting the amplified dangers of concurrent substance use. The research, focusing on the Indian population, underscores the need for increased awareness regarding the risks associated with even moderate alcohol consumption and its synergistic effects with other carcinogenic substances.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment