6G and the Future of Smart Manufacturing in India

As 5G networks continue rolling out in India, the nation is already laying the groundwork for the next revolution in connectivity – 6G.

6G technology, with its promise of ultra-high-speed connectivity, ultra-low latency, and intelligent network capabilities, is poised to revolutionize smart manufacturing in India. It will offer speeds up to 1 Tbps, latency as low as 1 microsecond, and support technologies such as AI-native networks, terahertz (THz) communication, holographic transmissions, and digital twins.

As the nation advances towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, 6G will play a pivotal role in enabling real-time data exchange, seamless automation and AI-driven decision-making on the factory floor. This next-generation connectivity will not only enhance productivity and precision, but also pave the way for sustainable, resilient and globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems across India.

With the commercial rollout targeted by 2030, the Government of India recently released the Bharat 6G Vision Document setting the foundation for research, testing and deployment.

Why 6G Matters for Smart Manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing, an essential component of Industry 4.0, relies on real-time data exchange, automation and machine-to-machine communication. 6G’s ultra-reliable, ultra-low-latency capabilities can unlock:

• Digital Twins that provide real-time simulations of machines and production lines
• AI-driven Quality Control for automated inspections and predictive maintenance
• Autonomous Robots operating in coordinated precision
• Immersive AR/VR for remote operations, diagnostics, and design
• Edge Computing that enables ultra-fast decision-making on the shop floor

 India’s Progress on 6G

India is actively shaping the global 6G landscape through key initiatives. The Bharat 6G Vision outlines a two-phase roadmap – R&D from 2023 to 2025, and commercialisation from 2026 to 2030.

The Department of Telecommunications has sanctioned ₹240.51 crore for two advanced 6G testbeds: a Terahertz Testbed led by SAMEER, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Patna, and an Optical Communication Testbed involving IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIIT Delhi. An additional ₹48 crore has been allocated to support 66 startups under the Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS) initiative.

To build a skilled workforce, the government has launched 100 5G Use-Case Labs in educational institutions across the country. These labs are designed to promote innovation, experimentation, and research aligned with future 6G applications.

Additionally, India has established the Bharat 6G Alliance, a collaborative platform bringing together industry, academia, startups, and government entities. This public–private initiative is working to drive indigenous innovation and align India’s efforts with global alliances.

Infrastructure Backing the Vision

To support 6G’s rollout, India is also strengthening its digital infrastructure through flagship schemes. The National Broadband Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide universal, high-speed broadband across India and enable the development of future-ready telecom infrastructure. Meanwhile, PM Gati Shakti, launched in 2021, integrates and coordinates infrastructure development across ministries using a GIS-enabled digital platform, ensuring efficient deployment of telecom and industrial infrastructure.

Challenges Ahead

Despite strong policy momentum, several challenges remain:

• Spectrum Allocation: India must await global coordination at the upcoming WRC-27 to finalize high-frequency spectrum bands for 6G.
• Infrastructure Readiness: Deployment of 6G will require upgraded fiber networks, data centers, and edge computing capacity.
• Skill Development: A trained workforce in AI, robotics, industrial IoT, and telecom engineering is critical for large-scale adoption.
• Sustainability: With rising energy needs, 6G infrastructure must align with India’s long-term net-zero goals.

Flagship schemes like the National Broadband Mission and PM Gati Shakti are helping to address these gaps through coordinated infrastructure development and planning.

6G is more than a telecom upgrade, it’s a transformative platform that will shape the future of intelligent, connected manufacturing in India. Backed by visionary government initiatives, R&D investment and global partnerships, India is laying a strong foundation to lead the 6G era. The journey ahead will demand strategic execution, robust infrastructure, and skilled human capital, but the vision is bold and the momentum is real.