In a significant move towards accelerating Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 adoption in India, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Volvo Group, 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, this collaboration aims to revolutionize industrial operations, enhance workforce training, and enable real-time process optimization.
The research will be conducted at the Volvo Group Factory and R&D Centre in Bangalore, focusing on futuristic Industrial Metaverse applications. This includes advanced human-machine interaction and collaboration, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds. The findings will drive efficiency, innovation, and immersive training, powered by cutting-edge AI technologies.
A core aspect of this initiative is the deployment of Airtel’s 5G Advanced network to support industrial XR applications. With ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, 5G will enable real-time simulations, design prototyping, and immersive training across industrial sites. It will also allow manufacturers to experiment with ‘what-if’ scenarios and optimize workflows without disrupting actual operations.
Beyond operational efficiencies, this collaboration supports the evolution towards Industry 4.0 and beyond, creating opportunities for new revenue streams and business models for telecom providers. Insights from this research will also enhance network readiness for industrial XR, paving the way for immersive smart factory solutions.
Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India said"Our industry is undergoing a transformation driven by automation, connectivity, and alternative energy. 5G, coupled with XR applications, will foster innovation and real-time collaboration across our industrial and R&D sites, backed by advanced AI technologies."
Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business said "We are excited to leverage our advanced 5G network for industrial applications alongside Ericsson and Volvo Group. This partnership will redefine manufacturing by enabling real-time XR applications, enhancing productivity, and accelerating Industry 4.0 adoption."
Nitin Bansal, MD, Ericsson India said "As India embraces Industry 4.0, 5G will be a game-changer, enabling intelligent and immersive industrial experiences. Our collaboration with Airtel and Volvo Group demonstrates Ericsson’s commitment to driving innovation through 5G and XR, shaping the future of industrial digitalization in India and beyond."
As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, this initiative will help networks support XR-driven innovations, empowering businesses to boost productivity and scale operations seamlessly.