At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, iFLYTEK has unveiled a next-generation digital teaching tool that could reshape how math and science are taught in classrooms worldwide.
The company’s Tongchuang AI Blackboard transforms traditional handwritten input into dynamic, interactive visuals in real time. In a live demo that quickly went viral, a presenter sketched the equation “y = x² – 3” on the large display. Moments later, the system recognized the quadratic function and rendered an interactive parabola graph. When she drew a rough 3D shape, the board instantly converted it into a clean, rotatable model complete with labeled angles, edges, areas and volumes.
The technology preserves the familiar dark background and natural handwriting feel of a classic chalkboard while integrating advanced AI capabilities. Users can manipulate graphs, explore 3D cross-sections, pull up explanatory resources, and generate lesson summaries on the fly. It also supports stylus precision, multi-touch interaction, voice commands and classroom recording features.
iFLYTEK, a leading Chinese AI company known for its work in speech recognition and education technology, positioned the Tongchuang as an evolution of its earlier Spark Smart Blackboard series. The system leverages the company’s proprietary AI models for handwriting recognition, math processing and geometry rendering. It has already seen deployment across numerous provinces in China, powering smart classrooms for millions of students and teachers.
Educators see strong potential in making abstract STEM concepts more tangible. Instead of asking students to imagine a graph or geometric solid, teachers can draw it and watch it come alive, allowing for immediate interaction and feedback. The tool aims to keep instructors in their natural teaching flow rather than shifting entirely to presentation software.
That said, industry observers note that real-world success will hinge on factors beyond the demo floor. Challenges include handling varied handwriting styles, ensuring offline functionality, addressing data privacy concerns from constant recording, and providing adequate teacher training. Cost and equitable access across different regions remain open questions as well.
Still, the Tongchuang AI Blackboard stands out as a practical advancement in education technology. As AI tools increasingly integrate into learning environments, this latest offering from iFLYTEK signals a future where classrooms blend traditional methods with sophisticated real-time intelligence — potentially making subjects like math and geometry far more engaging for the next generation of students.
The demonstration took place during the WAIC event held July 17-20 in Shanghai.
