China's AI blackboard turns hand-drawn figures into 3D models in real time

iFLYTEK demonstrated its Tongchuang AI Blackboard at WAIC 2026 in Shanghai. The system aims to improve classroom understanding through interactive visualisation and digital lesson tools.New Delhi,Nov 5, 2026 16:40 ISTA teacher draws a triangle on a blackboard, and within moments, the flat figure turns into a three-dimensional model that can be rotated and examined from different angles. This is one of the features of an artificial intelligence-powered blackboard developed by Chinese technology company iFLYTEK, which was demonstrated at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai in July 2026.Called the Tongchuang AI Blackboard, the system can recognise handwritten figures, complete rough drawings into standard geometric shapes and convert two-dimensional diagrams into interactive 3D models. Students can then examine the points, lines and surfaces of the figures by changing their position on the screen.The blackboard also recognises mathematical equations and can display their corresponding graphs. During a demonstration at the conference, a visitor drew a triangle on the board. The system completed the figure, identified the related mathematical concept and brought up teaching material. The flat drawing was then converted into a three-dimensional model that could be rotated by touch.The system is designed to assist teachers in explaining subjects where students may find it difficult to understand shapes and spatial relationships through drawings alone. ALREADY BEING USED IN SCHOOLS ACROSS CHINAThe technology is not limited to a conference demonstration. According to iFLYTEK, its AI Blackboard is in regular use across 33 provincial-level administrative regions and more than 1,400 counties and districts in China.The company says its wider education products and services are being used in more than 60,000 schools and have served over 160 million teachers and students collectively. The blackboard also has features for digitising classroom writing and recording lessons. It can prepare structured lesson summaries and short learning videos from classroom recordings, allowing teachers to review their lessons and students to revisit the material.The development comes as China expands the use of artificial intelligence in education.The country's education institutions and technology companies have been working to bring AI into classroom teaching, learning and assessment.The technology was among the products showcased at WAIC 2026, held from July 17 to 20 in Shanghai. The conference brought together companies, researchers and policymakers to discuss developments in artificial intelligence and its use across different sectors.While the blackboard offers a way to make mathematical concepts easier to demonstrate, its wider value will depend on how teachers use it in classrooms and whether such tools help students understand and retain what they learn.- Ends