Packet Digital is founded
Packet Digital is founded in Fargo, North Dakota, initially focusing on power-saving computer chips.
About Us
Empowering Autonomous Systems
Packet Digital is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on UAS battery development and production. Founded in 2003, Packet Digital’s team has experience developing reliable, high-performance batteries and power systems for the world’s most demanding UAS applications.
2003
2014
Drone power management program kicks off
Packet Digital completes its first significant drone power system with the U.S. Marines. With the inclusion of Packet Digital’s drone power management system, the Marines were able to take their aircraft flight from minutes to hours.
2015
Botlink is founded
Botlink is formed after Packet Digital acquires a controlling stake in Aerobotic Innovations, a software development company building drone flight applications focused on situational awareness.
2021
Packet Digital purchase new headquarters building
Packet Digital moves into its current headquarters in south Fargo.
Space project kicks off
Awarded an $8 million contract from the Air Force Research Lab to develop highly efficient and reliable space power components for U.S. space missions. This contract marked Packet Digital’s first significant splash in the space industry. After successfully building a solar maximum power point tracking power module and distribution on small satellites, Packet Digital was later awarded a follow-up contract in 2024, to scale the design and make it usable on CubeSats.
2022
Navy project begins
Awarded an $8.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy to develop a standardized UAS battery system. This was the first contract awarded to Packet Digital from the Navy and set in motion the construction of the company’s battery manufacturing facility. It also set the foundation for what UAS battery systems aboard the Navy fleet would look like — standardized batteries, fast charging and safe stowaway capabilities while vessels are at sea.
2023
Badland Batteries is born
Badland Batteries is founded. Badland Batteries was formed to be the off-the-shelf battery product brand for Packet Digital. Later, Badland Batteries would further expand with battery cell manufacturing and its own manufacturing facility.
Battery pack manufacturing and assembly facility opens
Packet Digital opens its second facility in Fargo, N.D. The 25,000-square-foot facility became the primary location for Packet Digital’s battery and printed circuit board assembly, as well as testing grounds. This site is home to Packet Digital’s surface mount technology (SMT) line, laser welders and thermal testing chambers.
2024
Ground breaks on battery cell manufacturing facility
Packet Digital breaks ground on the Badland battery cell manufacturing campus in Fargo, N.D. The 80,000-square-foot facility is home to Badland Batteries’ research and development building and the primary site for its battery cell manufacturing. This facility became not only the first battery factory in North Dakota, but the first in the United States to manufacture battery cells specifically for use in drones and unmanned systems.
2025
Badland Batteries products officially launch
Badland Batteries announces the launch of its first off-the-shelf drone batteries. The first two packs available were the 12S 17000mAh smart battery and 6S 17000mAh simple battery.
