The new research partnership intends to explore the potential of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies and AI in the manufacturing sector by leveraging the power of 5G and 5G Advanced.

The research, to be conducted at the Volvo factory and R&D centre in Bangalore, will explore industrial Metaverse applications including human and machine interaction and collaboration.

The research project will take place on Airtel’s 5G advanced network for industrial XR applications.

The partners intend to leverage the ultra-low latency and high-speed capabilities of 5G to enable differentiated connectivity for real-time simulations, design prototyping, and immersive training across multiple factory and industrial sites.

“Our industry is undergoing a once in a lifetime transformation driven by the emerging trends across automation, connectivity and alternative energy carriers – tools which will be key in our ambitions to be Net Zero and shape a sustainable future for all," said Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India.

"This transformation also includes the way we work and collaborate across our industrial and R&D sites.

"5G, coupled with Extended Reality applications, will help foster innovation as well as collaboration between our sites and engineers, in real-time, through the power of connectivity & digitalisation backed by advanced AI technologies.”

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business said the telco's low latency 5G network will enable real-time XR applications for enhanced productivity and efficiencies, unlocking new revenue streams and accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 applications.

“We are thrilled to leverage the capabilities of our advanced 5G network for innovative industrial applications in partnership with Ericsson and Volvo Group,” Sinha said

Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India said 5G will be a game-changer towards enabling intelligent, connected, and immersive industrial experiences.

"By combining our expertise in network technology with cutting-edge XR applications, we are creating an ecosystem that will help industries to transform manufacturing," Bansal said.

"The research insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of industrial digitalisation, not just in India but globally."