Nxtra by Airtel, the data centre arm of Bharti Airtel, has become the first data centre in India to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations, marking a step toward building smarter and more sustainable digital infrastructure. The AI-powered SmartSense platform, developed by Ecolibrium, has been implemented at Nxtra's Chennai facility, with plans for further deployment across its network of data centres, the company announced on Wednesday.
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Integration of AI into Operations
With the deployment of AI in its data centres, "Nxtra by Airtel has become the first data centre in India to leverage AI to build new-age digitised facilities engineered to drive smart capabilities like predictive maintenance, enhanced operational and energy efficiency, streamlined automation of operations and optimised capex utilisation," Nxtra said.
Key Goals of AI Deployment
With this AI deployment, Nxtra aims to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, with key goals including:
- A 10 percent increase in asset life through real-time performance monitoring and predictive maintenance.
- A 10 percent reduction in non-IT power consumption by identifying energy loss and deviations.
- A 15 percent improvement in equipment performance using AI-based Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD).
- A 25 percent boost in productivity through proactive insights across DC operations.
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Commenting on the development, the CEO of Nxtra by Airtel said, "The partnership with Ecolibrium and the integration of AI into the core of our data centres is a crucial step in this direction with which we will advance our energy efficiency and overall performance."
"Today, our AI/ML platform is operational at over 500 sites worldwide, providing real-time, data-driven insights across industries like real estate and manufacturing," said the CEO of Ecolibrium.
"In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Nxtra, we are bringing our 12 years of expertise to revolutionise data centre operations through cutting-edge AI technology. Nxtra has done commendable work in building environmentally friendly digital infrastructure and, by connecting it with our expertise in AI and engineering, we are confident that together we can them maintain high standards of operational and energy efficiency," Ecolibrium added.
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Data Centre Operations with AI
Leveraging AI/ML-based algorithms will enable Nxtra to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements and build agile data centres with which it can deliver enhanced end-user experiences to its customers, the company said.
Nxtra by Airtel and Ecolibrium
Nxtra by Airtel offers a network of data centres across over 120 locations to enterprises, hyperscalers, start-ups, SMEs and governments. Nxtra is also on track to double its data centre capacity to over 400 MW and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2031 through green energy adoption and sustainable practices. Founded in 2012, Ecolibrium is a global provider of AI-powered decarbonisation technology.
