Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Bharti Airtel have announced a collaborative research initiative aimed at exploring the potential of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies, and AI within the manufacturing industry. This partnership leverages 5G and 5G Advanced to transform industrial processes, enhance workforce training, and optimize operations in real time.
The research, which will take place at the Volvo Group Factory and R&D Center in Bengaluru, focuses on developing Industrial Metaverse applications, exploring how human-machine interaction and collaboration can merge the physical and digital worlds. The findings from this research are expected to boost manufacturing efficiency by offering a digital platform for immersive training and real-time process improvements, driven by AI technologies.
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson India, stated, “By combining our network technology expertise with advanced XR applications, we are creating an ecosystem that will reshape manufacturing. The insights gained will be crucial in driving industrial digitalization, both in India and globally.” A key aspect of the partnership is the use of Airtel’s advanced 5G network to support industrial XR applications, enabling real-time simulations and production optimizations without disrupting ongoing operations.
According to Airtel Business Director and CEO Sharat Sinha, the telecom operator’s high-speed, low-latency 5G network will revolutionize the manufacturing sector by enabling real-time XR applications, opening up new revenue opportunities. The collaboration will also help propel the industry toward Industry 4.0, offering telcos the chance to unlock new business models and revenue streams.
Volvo Group India’s President and MD, Kamal Bali, highlighted that the combination of 5G and XR applications will foster innovation and collaboration across their industrial and R&D sites, powered by advanced AI technologies to enable real-time communication and digitalization.
Ericsson’s high-performance networks provide connectivity to billions of people every day. For almost 150 years, we have been at the forefront of creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. In collaboration with our customers and partners, we are shaping the digital world of tomorrow.
The Volvo Group is a global leader in manufacturing trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. The Group also delivers comprehensive solutions for financing and service. With a workforce of 105,000 people, Volvo Group operates production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in over 190 markets.
India serves as a home base for the AB Volvo Group, with operations that closely mirror the Group’s global profile. Volvo’s India headquarters in Bangalore also hosts the largest R&D and Digital & IT site outside Sweden. The Volvo Group is deeply involved in India’s national priorities, contributing to road safety, sustainable mobility, infrastructure development, skills training, and offering solutions that prioritize safety and environmental care.
Airtel, headquartered in India, is a global communications provider with over 550 million customers across 15 countries in India and Africa, as well as a presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Ranked among the top three mobile operators worldwide, Airtel’s networks cover over two billion people.
As India’s largest integrated communications provider and Africa’s second-largest mobile operator, Airtel’s retail offerings include high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber with speeds up to 1 Gbps, and a range of streaming services. Airtel also provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise solutions, including secure connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, ad tech, and cloud-based communication. Additionally, through its subsidiary, Indus Tower Ltd., Airtel offers passive infrastructure services.
