Joel Pope rides an e-bike at Yadea Technology Group. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Sitting on the e-bike, I looked with anticipation at the open straight ahead back to my friends and colleagues. Smiling with pride and a sense of purpose, I leant forward and accelerated slightly for the final wondrous seconds.
As I moved forward, feeling full of freedom, the cool breeze soothing my face while I sweat under the hot sun, memories of the day flashed through my mind.
Joel Pope (Right) sings a song accompanied by his friend Joe Burns with a stringless guitar at the Z·Pilot × AgiBot Player Base. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
First came the experiences with music. It began with playing a virtual drum set, simply by striking the air. Following this, I played Beethoven's Ode to Joy on the piano. Last, I sang along to Oasis's Wonderwall as my friend, Joe Burns, played on a robot guitar that several of us noted brought back loving memories of an old game, Guitar Hero. Next came the feeling of amazement as I saw London's Elizabeth Tower (with Big Ben) appear on the screen as we used an app connected with a globe that made for an interactive atlas. Finally, there were interactions with robots. With one, I followed tai chi moves to have a free lesson. Another used an LLM chatbot, similar to DeepSeek, to discuss all kinds of topics with us, from the greatest singers to who might win the World Cup.
Joel Pope tries a pair of assistive shoes. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Now in my 30s and having lived both in my home country of the United Kingdom and now in China for seven years, I have seen the world change a lot. This has been especially visible in technology. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, we saw the growth of computers and phones, with the internet and increasingly sophisticated apps and software that could support us in our lives, studies and work. At present, we have entered the age of AI.
As a teacher, I pay close attention to new tools entering the landscape that can support education. It is often discussed that there are areas where we need to be cautious. However, so long as they are used properly and safely, I believe new AI systems can enhance educational experiences. Over the last year, it has been wonderful to work with students to create their own images and tell their own stories. A colleague has even created videos from students' own drawings and ideas.
I was excited and thrilled when I was asked by China Daily Multimedia Wuxi Co Ltd to come along to today's event.
Joel Pope shakes hands with a robot. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
In the morning, we visited the Z·Pilot × AgiBot Player Base in Huishan Ancient Town. This was an eye-opening and curiosity-inspiring experience. So much at the store could be beneficial to all people from all walks of life. The music systems described above could bring easier access to the world of song and tune for those who may not otherwise have an interest. The tai chi teaching robot could bring learning by oneself to life. The chatbot robot could provide automatic assistance and information, again feeling so much more real than simply typing into a computer. This, and devices such as the interactive atlas, have much potential to help in schools.
In addition to these, I encountered a robot that plays a physical game of gomoku with you. Such a robot would also have uses in education and for entertainment. There was a pair of glasses that translated speech in different languages on the spot, which will have great benefits in this increasingly international and globalized world. Finally, there were assistive shoes, which have wheels on the bottom that move as you walk. These could support those who may have some difficulties.
In the afternoon, we went over to Yadea Technology Group in Xishan district. Here, we were shown a range of electric bikes, some sold domestically and some to international markets.
The quotes and lines Joel Pope wrote on his helmet. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Our creativity and playfulness were called upon as we had the opportunity to first decorate our own helmets and then decorate bikes.
Atop my helmet, I wrote quotes and lines that are important to me:
"To infinity, and beyond." (Buzz Lightyear)
"Be you! You are special!"
"Never give up!"
"Be brave! Be strong! Be safe!"
"If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving forward."
As we look at our theme of the day, as Wuxi and the world moves forwards with technology and continues to progress, these are ideas we should all remember.
The bike and helmet ready for the final adventure of the day, we came out to ride them.
This had been a bold new experience for me, having never ridden an e-bike before, but I don't look back. The controls are easy to use, and you feel safe and at ease. The vehicles offer an efficient alternative transport option, and it would be great to own one in the future.
So there we were. As I approached the rest of the group, they greeted me with anticipation. I stopped. We lined up our vehicles excitedly for the final photos and videos of the day.
As I look back now, it really was an inspiring day. What draws it all together is the progress being made to drive AI, robotics and transport forwards, especially here in Wuxi. Most notably, it is safe, positive and productive. It is an exciting time to be here, and I am very proud to be part of it.
Joel Pope from the United Kingdom was invited to participate in an intelligent manufacturing-themed tour in Wuxi. He currently lives in the Chinese city.
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