Telecom equipment maker Ericsson has unveiled 5G and AI-powered innovations at the India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC) in New Delhi.
India has over 360 million 5G subscribers and coverage reaching more than 80 percent of the population.
Andres Vicente, Head of Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, said, “India is on a remarkable growth trajectory where AI, Cloud, and connectivity will transform everyday experiences and drive enterprise digitalisation. The innovation ecosystem here can leverage the 5G platform to innovate not only for India but for the world.”
5G and AI Innovations Showcased at IMC 2025
Ericsson demonstrated several made-in-India and for-India use cases underscoring technology’s role in driving digital inclusion and societal progress:
5G-enabled Grain ATM Annapurti: Developed with the World Food Programme, this system dispenses up to 30 kilos of food grains in 30 seconds using Aadhaar-based biometrics. Deployed in cities like Shillong, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Bhopal, it supports the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. Over the next year, 23 new Annapurti machines will be deployed nationwide.
StethoECG: A handheld wireless digital stethoscope with embedded ECG, developed in collaboration with IIT Madras, enables real-time heart monitoring and remote diagnostics using 5G connectivity — revolutionizing rural healthcare access.
Automated Railcar Inspection: A robotic dog equipped with cameras and sensors performs railcar inspections, streaming data over private 5G for AI-based defect detection, enhancing railway safety and operational efficiency.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): With 8.4 million 5G FWA users in India, 40 percent in rural areas, Ericsson’s solutions are helping bridge the broadband divide by delivering high-speed, reliable internet to underserved regions.
Train Ride to the Future: An AR-powered experience showing how 5G supports seamless connectivity for communication, entertainment, and productivity for next-generation commuters.
These use cases highlight how 5G, AI, and automation are transforming India’s digital landscape, fostering inclusion and creating real-world impact for citizens and industries alike.
Expanding India’s R&D and Manufacturing Presence
Ericsson’s strong India presence includes R&D centers in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram, focusing on AI, 6G, and semiconductor design. The telecom network company expanded its ASIC R&D operations in Bengaluru and launched antenna production with VVDN Technologies, supporting Make in India and Digital India missions.
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, stated, “Our technology leadership, local manufacturing, and growing R&D footprint are key to enabling next-generation networks that form the backbone of India’s Digital India vision.”
Through its 5G Center of Excellence in Jabalpur and the Connect to Learn program, Ericsson is investing in digital skills development to prepare India’s youth for opportunities in 5G, AI, and cloud technologies. These initiatives aim to close the skills gap and empower a workforce ready to lead India’s digital future.
Shafana Fazal