The company plans to integrate XR, digital twin technology and AI into manufacturing
In a major step to accelerating the adoption of industry 4.0 and industry 5.0 in India, Ericsson, Volvo Group and Balti Airtel have announced a strategic research partnership focusing on the integration of augmented reality (XR), digital twin technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The collaboration, held at the Volvo Group factories and R&D centre in Bangalore, aims to leverage 5G and 5G Advanced (5G-A) to strengthen industrial operations, improve workforce training, and drive real-time process optimization.
The company said one important area of research is industrial metaverse applications, such as human interaction and collaboration. By blending the physical and digital worlds, the initiative uses AI-powered XR solutions to experiment with immersive digital platforms for real-time process optimization and workforce training.
“Our industry is undergoing a lifetime transformation driven by automation, connectivity and alternative energy carriers,” said Kamalbari, president & MD, Volvo Group India. “5G, combined with XR applications, promotes real-time collaboration across industry and R&D sites, increasing innovation and sustainability.”
Airtel’s 5G Advanced Network serves as the basis for these industrial XR applications, enabling ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity to support real-time simulation, design prototyping and immersive training.
Beyond operational efficiency, the initiative is expected to support network preparation for industrial XRs and unlock new revenue streams and business models for telecom providers. By advancing smart factory solutions, this research will contribute to the digital transformation of the manufacturing ecosystem and position India as a hub for next-generation industrial technology.
Nitin Bansal, managing director of Erikson India, highlighted Erikson’s commitment to driving industrial innovation through 5G and XR.
“5G will be a game changer for India’s industrial transformation. This collaboration with Airtel and Volvo Group will enhance the vision of an immersive manufacturing experience that is intelligently connected and powered by network technology and cutting-edge XR applications.”
