The factory of Haers in the Qingshanhu Sci-tech City in Lin'an district, Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: linanfabu]

In the era of intelligent connectivity, even drinking tea is undergoing a technological revolution.

Haers, a manufacturer based in Hangzhou's Qingshanhu Sci-tech City in Lin'an district, recently secured nearly 100 million yuan ($13.7 million) in orders from the United States and Southeast Asia for its smart teacup, co-developed with Huawei's smart appliance sector.

The cup, one of thousands of products on display in Haers's showroom, uses AI and star flash wireless technology to provide real-time tea brewing guidance. It analyzes tea leaves, suggests optimal brewing conditions, and alerts users with a blue light and vibration when the tea is ready.

Recognizing the global demand for smart products, Haers has invested over 100 million yuan annually in R&D to drive the evolution of digital and intelligent products. Star flash technology enables millisecond-level wireless connectivity, allowing users to check tea infusion data and switch between tea types with a simple NFC tap on their smartphone.

To boost efficiency, Haers has also implemented smart factory upgrades, integrating data platforms to automate and streamline production. These advancements have led to a 20-percent increase in per capita productivity, a 30-percent reduction in R&D cycles, and a 10-percent improvement in both energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Industry experts note that as traditional cup and bottle markets slow, Haers's health-focused, lightweight, intelligent, and customizable product lineup showcases China's shift from a "world factory" to an innovation hub, offering a compelling model for digital transformation in manufacturing.

The smart teacup uses AI and star flash wireless technology to provide real-time tea brewing guidance. [Photo/WeChat account: linanfabu]