Meta Pushes AI Agents on Personal Devices with Manus

The rise of AI agents on personal devices is accelerating as Meta-owned Manus rolls out a new desktop application that brings its autonomous AI tools directly onto users’ laptops. The company introduced a feature called “My Computer,” which allows its agents to work with local files and software without relying solely on cloud access. This marks a major shift for Manus, whose AI-powered assistants previously ran only through online interfaces.

According to Manus, the new feature provides its AI agents with access to documents, folders, coding tools, and commonly used applications stored on a device. The system can analyze and organize large volumes of files, launch programs, and develop small applications rapidly. These capabilities extend Manus’s existing cloud integrations with Gmail, Google Calendar, and various third-party services. The company aims to establish a more efficient and privacy-focused on-device AI environment through this initiative.

This transition toward on-device AI positions Manus in closer alignment with OpenClaw, an open-source agent that operates directly on user devices. OpenClaw attracted significant attention after developers commended its speed and flexibility, and Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang referred to it as the next ChatGPT. Its popularity has generated increased interest in autonomous AI agents capable of running locally rather than depending on external servers. Manus now aims to achieve similar momentum, although it continues to operate as a paid platform, in contrast to the free availability of OpenClaw.

Meta acquired Manus in late 2025 through a $2 billion transaction intended to enhance its AI automation tools and improve the Meta AI assistant. Following the acquisition, Meta has integrated Manus’s technology into its broader platform. The company reports that Manus now occupies a central position in its AI development pipeline, particularly as demand increases for personal AI assistants capable of understanding tasks, managing workflows, and automating actions efficiently.

Nevertheless, Manus’s approach raises security concerns. Experts have cautioned that providing AI agents with direct access to local machines may increase the risk of misuse if safeguards are insufficient. In response, Manus has implemented stringent permission controls. Users are required to approve each action through “Allow Once” or “Always Allow” prompts before the agent can edit files or control applications. According to the company, this feature ensures that users retain full control over sensitive tasks.

The launch also highlights the competitive landscape among major technology companies. OpenAI recently recruited OpenClaw’s creator, Peter Steinberger, intensifying the direct rivalry with Meta in the pursuit of leadership in AI-powered assistants. As both organizations advance in edge AI computing, personal devices are emerging as a primary area of competition. Industry analysts anticipate rapid adoption of local AI processing due to its advantages in speed, privacy, and reliability compared to cloud-only systems.

Furthermore, Meta’s expansion of Manus demonstrates the rapid proliferation of autonomous AI agents. These tools are capable of executing complex task sequences, managing calendars, organizing files, and coordinating actions across applications without manual intervention. Operating directly on users’ devices, these agents provide faster responses and adapt more effectively to individual user habits. They also enable new workflows for creators, developers, and consumers seeking automation.

Although this transition is still in its early stages, momentum is evident. Increasingly, device manufacturers are exploring deeper integration of agentic tools with hardware. As on-device AI technology matures, personal computers may evolve toward systems centered on AI-driven interfaces rather than traditional applications. This development reflects broader trends in technology, as companies seek to simplify digital tasks through proactive AI solutions rather than manual operations.

Demand for automation is also growing across business sectors. The Intelligent Process Automation Market continues to expand as companies adopt advanced AI tools to streamline operations. More organizations now rely on intelligent automation to reduce manual tasks, improve accuracy, and accelerate decision-making. This growth supports the shift toward smarter, more autonomous software systems on both personal and enterprise devices.

Meta and Manus assert that the new desktop application represents the beginning of a significant transition. Their objective is to integrate AI agents into everyday life on personal devices through fast, private, and deeply integrated technology. As competition intensifies and on-device tools advance, users may soon manage their digital environments primarily through intelligent assistants rather than traditional software interfaces.