Packet Digital

Packet Digital is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on UAS battery development and production. It was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. The company designs, manufactures, assembles and tests its battery systems in the United States. Its products are sold to customers around the world.

A smart battery pairs cells with electronics that report critical performance data in real time. The drone flight computer uses this data to make decisions in flight and to get early warning of problems. The battery gives accurate state of charge and power warnings. It also tracks cell temperatures, which matters during charging, and it talks to the charger to keep charging safe. In storage or shipping, it can switch off its outputs and discharge itself safely.

Badland Batteries is the off-the-shelf battery brand. Its first drone batteries launched in 2025, including a 12S 17000mAh smart battery. Packet Digital also makes smart chargers and power products such as maximum power point trackers, solar integration, and power management and distribution. Its battery fleet management software lets companies see and control all their batteries and chargers in one app.

Custom work starts with the customer's requirements and continues through prototyping, testing and production. Services include custom battery design, battery pack assembly, mechanical design, printed circuit board design and assembly, software design and battery cell manufacturing. The company offers NDAA compliant products with complete traceability.

The Fargo site has a 25,000 square foot manufacturing and assembly facility. It handles battery and circuit board assembly, with a surface mount technology line, laser welders and thermal testing chambers. An 80,000 square foot battery cell plant opened in Fargo on October 8, 2026. The company says the plant makes battery cells for drones and unmanned systems, and it is the first battery factory in North Dakota.

The company completed a drone power system with the U.S. Marines in 2014. It received an $8.5 million U.S. Navy contract in 2022 for a standardized UAS battery system. In May 2026 it was awarded $9.8 million as it moved to phase 3 of the Navy's Logistics UAS Family of Advanced Batteries program. It also received an $8 million Air Force Research Lab contract for space power components. The company achieved CMMC Level 2 certification in June 2026.

Packet Digital began in 2003 by focusing on power-saving computer chips. It later built wireless tracking systems and power management systems, including battery management for Formula E race cars. It formed Botlink after acquiring a controlling stake in Aerobotic Innovations. The website also lists careers, a team page, patents and a contact form.

Services

• Smart batteries
• Smart chargers
• Fleet management software
• Power products
• Maximum power point tracker
• Custom battery design
• Battery pack assembly
• Printed circuit board design and assembly
• Mechanical design
• Battery cell manufacturing