In November 2024, I was invited by China Daily to visit Wuxi, and what an eye-opening journey it was! I visited several incredible places:

First stop: HOdo menswear 5G smart factory

The author visits the store of HOdo Group. [Photo provided by Diaa Abdelsamad to wuxi.gov.cn]

As soon as I walked into the factory, I was amazed — the clothes were "sewing themselves" on a 5G smart production line! Not only that, the system could even take measurements automatically. It was so precise and futuristic that I couldn't help but say "Wow!" The entire street was lined with HOdo stores — it felt like a "smart fashion street".

Second stop: WeRide autonomous driving

WeRide autonomous minibus. [Photo provided by Diaa Abdelsamad to wuxi.gov.cn]

My palms were sweating when I sat inside a car with no steering wheel. There was no driver, and plenty of other vehicles were on the road. Every time one got close, I felt a bit nervous. But what impressed me was how steadily and smoothly the car drove — like a seasoned driver. It was incredibly stable and reliable.

Third stop: Ziwei Technology rocket workshop

The author visits Ziwei Technology. [Photo provided by Diaa Abdelsamad to wuxi.gov.cn]

Seeing the rocket engine production line left me completely stunned. I thought, "Wait… from making shirts to building rockets? That's a bigger leap than the Nile River, which is wide!" I never imagined I'd one day witness such cutting-edge aerospace technology in person. It was mind-blowing!

Fourth stop: Yadea Technology Group in Wuxi

The author visits the workshop of Yadea Technology Group. [Photo provided by Diaa Abdelsamad to wuxi.gov.cn]

At Yadea, I witnessed the entire electric vehicle manufacturing process — complex, precise, and incredibly advanced. But it didn't stop there — we even got to ride the electric scooters ourselves. It was my first time riding one, and I had so much fun!

The most jaw-dropping part? Their autonomous electric scooter, with no driver, could move and balance itself. How?! It was pure innovation. Amazing!

The author is an Egyptian engineer of the China Construction Fifth Engineering Division Third Company. Photos are all provided by the author.

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