In a major step towards accelerating Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 adoption, Ericsson, Volvo Group India, and Bharti Airtel have announced a research partnership to explore the potential of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies, and AI in manufacturing. By harnessing the power of 5G and 5G Advanced, the collaboration aims to revolutionize industrial operations, optimize real-time processes, and enhance workforce training.
The research will be conducted at Volvo Group’s Factory and R&D Centre in Bangalore, focusing on Industrial Metaverse applications, including human-machine collaboration and immersive training solutions.
A key aspect of this initiative is the deployment of Airtel’s 5G Advanced network to support industrial XR applications. The ultra-low latency and high-speed capabilities of 5G will enable:
- Real-time simulations and design prototyping
- Immersive workforce training
- Seamless collaboration across industrial sites
- Enhanced production workflows without disrupting operations
Beyond operational efficiencies, the partnership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of smart factories, unlocking new revenue streams for telecom providers, and enhancing network readiness for industrial digitalization.
Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India, emphasized the transformative potential of automation, connectivity, and alternative energy in achieving net-zero ambitions and sustainable industrial practices. “5G, coupled with Extended Reality applications, will drive innovation and real-time collaboration across our industrial and R&D sites, revolutionizing the way we work,” he said.
Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, highlighted how Airtel’s advanced 5G network will be a catalyst for industrial innovation. “Through this collaboration, our high-speed, low-latency 5G network will redefine manufacturing by enabling real-time XR applications, unlocking efficiencies, and accelerating Industry 4.0 adoption,” he mentioned.
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, underscored 5G’s game-changing role in intelligent, connected, and immersive industrial experiences. “By integrating our network technology with cutting-edge XR applications, we are creating an ecosystem that will shape the future of industrial digitalization in India and beyond,” he added.
As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, this initiative will pave the way for XR-driven innovations, helping businesses enhance productivity, scale operations, and improve efficiency in a connected industrial ecosystem. By combining 5G, AI, and immersive technologies, Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Airtel are set to drive a new era of intelligent, data-driven manufacturing in India and globally.
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