The technology powerhouse has added a powerline option to the busbars in its BD2, LD, and LI model series. Systems featuring this option therefore not only enable current transmission but also data transmission , without the need for additional data cables. This increases system availability in the digital factory, among other things. The powerline modules function in the tap-off unit and, unlike existing forms of data transmission, provide plug-and-play capability.

This means that they can be commissioned with no additional downtime for the production systems to be integrated. At the same time, power, current, and diagnostic information can be recorded and forwarded to higher-level automation systems, to establish networked production processes. In 2016, devolo and Spelsberg partnered up to develop plug-and-play powerline solutions for the networked industry, but later abandoned the project.