March 17, 2025
In a significant step toward advancing Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Volvo Group, and Bharti Airtel have announced a research partnership to explore the potential of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twins, and AI in the manufacturing sector. This initiative will leverage 5G and 5G Advanced to revolutionize industrial operations, enhance workforce training, and optimize real-time processes.
The research will be conducted at Volvo Group’s Factory and R&D Centre in Bangalore, focusing on Industrial Metaverse applications. This includes human-machine interaction and collaboration, integrating AI, XR, and Digital Twins to merge physical and digital worlds for greater efficiency and innovation.
Key Aspects of the Collaboration
✅ 5G Advanced for Smart Manufacturing
Airtel’s 5G Advanced network will serve as the foundation for industrial XR applications. With ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, this initiative will enable:
- Real-time simulations and immersive training
- Design prototyping and AI-driven process optimization
- Testing ‘what-if’ scenarios without disrupting actual production
✅ Enhancing Industrial Efficiency & Innovation
This collaboration aims to create a digital platform for manufacturing that will:
- Streamline production workflows
- Improve operational efficiencies
- Unlock new revenue opportunities for telecom and industrial sectors
✅ Building the Future of Industry 4.0 & 5.0
The research insights will help prepare networks for Industrial XR, paving the way for the next generation of smart factories.
Industry Leaders on the Collaboration
🔹 Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India:
“Our industry is transforming with automation, connectivity, and AI. 5G and XR will drive real-time collaboration and innovation across our industrial and R&D sites.”
🔹 Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business:
“This partnership with Ericsson and Volvo Group will redefine the manufacturing sector by leveraging our high-speed, low-latency 5G network for real-time XR applications.”
🔹 Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India:
“5G will be a game-changer for Industry 4.0. This collaboration will drive innovation through XR and help shape the future of industrial digitalization.”
Conclusion
As industries embrace digital transformation, this collaboration sets a new benchmark in manufacturing, industrial automation, and smart factory development. The research will provide key insights to enhance network readiness, XR-driven innovations, and future business models for both telecom and industrial sectors.
Stay tuned for updates on how this initiative is shaping the future of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 in India!