Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Airtel collaborate on 5G Advanced research for digital twins and XR in India

The integration of 5G Advanced networks with Digital Twins and Extended Reality (XR) is set to redefine industrial operations in India. In a significant development, Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Bharti Airtel have joined forces to explore how these emerging technologies can enhance efficiency, workforce training, and real-time process optimisation in manufacturing.

By leveraging high-speed, low-latency 5G Advanced connectivity, this initiative will focus on industrial metaverse applications, enabling seamless interaction between humans and machines. The research will take place at Volvo Group’s Bangalore factory and R&D Centre, setting the stage for India’s transition into Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

What is the significance of 5G Advanced for industrial manufacturing?

As industries worldwide embrace digital transformation, 5G Advanced networks are emerging as a critical enabler of intelligent manufacturing. Traditional industrial connectivity solutions have often struggled with latency issues and limited scalability. However, 5G Advanced offers ultra-reliable, low-latency communication (URLLC), making it ideal for mission-critical applications such as real-time automation, remote-controlled robotics, and AI-driven predictive maintenance.

In this collaboration, Airtel’s 5G Advanced network will power XR-driven training programs, enabling factory workers to engage with immersive digital environments for skill development. Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical manufacturing systems—will allow real-time simulations and design prototyping without disrupting actual operations.

How will Digital Twins and XR enhance smart factory operations?

The Digital Twin and XR integration will allow manufacturers to visualise and test production processes in a virtual environment before implementation. This approach significantly reduces operational risks, enhances precision, and improves efficiency. By using AI-powered analytics, companies can detect potential system failures before they occur, leading to reduced downtime and maintenance costs.

For example, Volvo Group’s Bangalore factory will use this technology to optimise its production workflows. Through XR applications, engineers will be able to monitor machinery performance remotely, conduct predictive diagnostics, and implement ‘what if’ testing scenarios to refine processes. This capability is expected to significantly boost production efficiency while reducing waste and energy consumption.

How will this collaboration impact Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 in India?

India’s push towards Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 has gained momentum with increasing investment in AI-driven automation, IoT, and real-time data analytics. This research initiative will accelerate the country’s transition to smart factories by providing a scalable model for digital transformation.

The implementation of Digital Twins and XR applications is expected to bring far-reaching benefits beyond just manufacturing. Sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and logistics can leverage similar innovations to enhance their operations. By establishing a connected ecosystem of intelligent industrial systems, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for India’s broader adoption of next-generation digital infrastructure.

What are the potential business opportunities for telecom and technology providers?

For telecom companies like Bharti Airtel, this collaboration is an opportunity to unlock new revenue streams by expanding into industrial 5G applications. As industries increase their reliance on private 5G networks, demand for customised connectivity solutions is expected to grow. Airtel’s ability to offer low-latency, high-speed 5G Advanced connectivity for Industrial XR and AI-driven automation positions it as a key enabler of India’s smart factory evolution.

Meanwhile, for Ericsson, the initiative aligns with its global strategy of developing intelligent network solutions for industrial automation. With 5G-enabled XR and AI applications becoming increasingly critical for industrial operations, Ericsson’s expertise in next-generation wireless networks will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industrial digitalisation.

How does this project align with Volvo Group’s sustainability goals?

As part of its commitment to Net Zero emissions, Volvo Group is integrating AI, automation, and digitalisation to create sustainable manufacturing practices. The company has been a global leader in implementing low-carbon production techniques, and this initiative further supports its vision of achieving a greener, more efficient industrial ecosystem.

By leveraging Digital Twins for energy optimisation, Volvo aims to reduce material waste, enhance resource efficiency, and minimise its environmental footprint. The research will also explore how XR-based remote collaboration tools can reduce the need for physical travel, thereby lowering overall carbon emissions associated with industrial operations.

What do industry leaders say about the future of 5G-powered manufacturing?

Volvo Group India’s President and Managing Director, Kamal Bali, has highlighted the once-in-a-generation transformation occurring in the manufacturing sector. He emphasised that automation, connectivity, and alternative energy technologies will be essential for achieving sustainability goals and improving operational efficiencies. According to him, 5G Advanced and XR applications will foster real-time innovation and collaboration between industrial and R&D sites, shaping the future of manufacturing.

Airtel Business Director & CEO, Sharat Sinha, has underscored Airtel’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge connectivity solutions. He noted that the integration of 5G-powered XR would revolutionise factory operations, boosting productivity and accelerating Industry 4.0 adoption across India.

Ericsson India’s Managing Director, Nitin Bansal, has reaffirmed the company’s focus on building intelligent, connected industrial ecosystems. He believes that 5G, Digital Twins, and XR solutions will play a defining role in enabling immersive and data-driven manufacturing environments, not just in India but globally.

How will this research shape the future of smart factories in India?

As India positions itself as a global leader in digital manufacturing, the insights from this collaboration will provide a framework for scaling industrial XR applications. With industries increasingly adopting AI, automation, and predictive analytics, the demand for 5G-powered smart factories is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

By establishing a real-time, data-driven production ecosystem, this initiative will not only enhance operational efficiency but also set new benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and industrial intelligence. As industries continue to evolve, 5G-powered XR and Digital Twins are likely to become core components of next-generation manufacturing.

With Airtel’s 5G Advanced network, Ericsson’s AI-driven automation solutions, and Volvo Group’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation, this research partnership is poised to transform India’s manufacturing landscape—bringing the vision of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 closer to reality.