In a significant move to enhance Industry 4.0 and usher in Industry 5.0 in India, Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Bharti Airtel announced a strategic research collaboration. Their focus is on integrating Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the manufacturing sector. This partnership will take root at Volvo Group’s Factory and R&D Centre in Bangalore.
Central to this initiative is leveraging 5G and 5G Advanced (5G-A) networks to elevate industrial operations. The plan also includes improving workforce training and optimizing processes in real time. One of the primary research areas will be Industrial Metaverse applications, exploring seamless human-machine interactions. By merging the physical and virtual worlds, the project aims to create immersive platforms for workplace training and process management using AI-driven XR.
“5G, combined with XR applications, will foster real-time collaboration across industrial and R&D sites, fueling innovation and sustainability,” said Kamal Bali, president & MD, Volvo Group India. This underscores the potential of such technologies in reshaping industrial landscapes.
Airtel’s 5G Advanced network will underpin these XR applications, providing the infrastructure necessary for ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity. This will support real-time simulations, design prototyping, and immersive training sessions. Such advancements are anticipated to offer telecom providers novel revenue channels and business models.
The collaboration extends beyond operational advantages. By advancing smart factory solutions, the project aims to position India as a leading hub for innovative industrial technologies. The partners are looking at the larger picture of digital transformation in manufacturing ecosystems.
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, emphasized Ericsson’s dedication to this vision: “5G will be a game-changer for India’s industrial transformation. This collaboration with Airtel and Volvo Group reinforces our vision of intelligent, connected, and immersive manufacturing experiences powered by network technology and cutting-edge XR applications.”
