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A new division of Detroit-based ESSPI, Med Hawk provides early detection for drone battery failure and integrates data logging for medical payload deliveries

ESSPI has entered into a strategic partnership with Blueflite at Michigan Central’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) to deploy its technology and test BVLOS drone delivery functionality

DETROIT, May 20, 2026 — Energy Storage Safety Products International (ESSPI) today announced the launch of Med Hawk, a new division of the company focused on bringing its ground-based transportation monitoring system to the skies. With this launch, ESSPI will provide drone operators with critical insight and analytics for when aircraft are transporting medical supplies beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

“The drone industry has built the foundation for incredible unmanned aircraft, but now ESSPI is working to demonstrate how we can make those same drones work for us,” said Ron Butler, CEO of ESSPI. “Using Med Hawk’s real-time data and monitoring systems, we are able to help ensure that medical supplies are delivered quickly and safely, ultimately helping to save lives.”

Med Hawk has partnered with autonomous drone logistics company Blueflite to demonstrate its drone battery monitoring and data logging capabilities; and is utilizing the Michigan Central AAIR to replicate deliveries in real-world deployment scenarios.

“Blueflite is excited to work with ESSPI in flight testing their innovative and unique cold storage solution for medical logistics,” said Andrew Zeimen, Program Manager, Blueflite. “We are looking forward to flying with a Michigan designed and manufactured product on our mission to continue making drone delivery accessible to those that need it, where and when they need it most.”

ESSPI technology is built on the understanding that batteries often exhibit measurable environmental changes before catastrophic failure. Designed through three years of collaborative development with the U.S Department of Transportation, ESSPI’s DNOC framework – Detection, Notification, Operation, and Communication – allows Med Hawk to provide real-time visibility, data logging, and alerts so drone operators can take action before issues escalate.

Advanced aerial mobility is expanding access to medical deliveries, improving emergency response capabilities, and driving efficiencies across logistics and supply chains. Michigan Central and the Michigan Department of Transportation created AAIR to help scale these technologies, providing 28 square miles of dense, urban environment for testing and scaling new drone technologies into market-ready solutions.

“The diversification of ESSPI’s market offering showcases the transition we’re seeing many companies make, identification and commercialization of products which will make aerial mobility a viable platform to scale their business, while providing solutions for communities that better serve their needs,” said Matt Whitaker, Director of Mobility Innovation Platform, Michigan Central. “What we are seeing with ESSPI and Blueflite is exactly what the Michigan Central ecosystem was built for. To create the foundation for talent and inspiring collaboration between member companies, leading to the next generation of advanced mobility innovation being born in Detroit.”

The collaboration reflects broader momentum across Michigan Central’s aerial mobility ecosystem, which has supported more than 1,200 drone flights and multiple BVLOS deployments focused on logistics, infrastructure inspection, public safety, and delivery applications.

 

About ESSPI

Energy Storage Safety Products International (ESSPI) develops advanced battery environmental monitoring technology for lithium-ion battery storage and logistics, built through three years of collaborative development with the U.S. Department of Transportation. ESSPI’s DNOC framework—Detection, Notification, Operation, and Communication—delivers the visibility operators need to act before battery failures escalate

About Blueflite

Founded in 2018, blueflite® offers a drone-based logistics platform for faster and more cost-effective deliveries. The patented, unique, and all-electrical drone design has vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and is built without compromise – to meet the rigorous demands of commercial operations.

Whether packages are large or small, our drone-based platform is built to scale in both size and quantity. Operating through our proprietary logistics systems blueflite®’s digital network is designed to work with existing logistic solutions, making blueflite® the obvious choice for large logistic contracts.

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com.