Reframe Systems raises $40M to scale its robotic microfactories for home building

amazon — reframe Systems combines robotics, Pixels to Parts software, and a network of microfactories to build homes. | The company said the funding will help it scale its microfactory network across North America.

Currently, the U.S. is short 4.5 million homes. Reframe said this problem stems from the construction industry’s fragmented nature. Most houses are build by hand, involving 25 or more subcontractors that are drawing on a shrinking pool of skilled trades. Reframe hopes to address this issue by building a network of automated microfactories near communities where homes are needed. This allows the company to adapt production to different zoning requirements, climate conditions, and architectural styles. “The housing shortage is an abstraction until you’re the person who can’t find a home in the community you want to live in,” said Vikas Enti, co-founder and CEO of Reframe Systems. “Developers are demanding faster, energy-efficient, climate-resilient homes and we are answering that demand. With our technology, we’re able to deliver infill housing, such as a triple-decker in Somerville in 180 days and help families in Altadena rebuild wildfire-resilient bungalows in months instead of years.” “With our model, every home we deliver makes the next one faster and cheaper to build, because our software, robotics and network learn from each deployment,” he said. “That demand is why we’re expanding, and why we’re now targeting one million homes by 2040, five years ahead of schedule.” Reframe to open a new microfactory in October Reframe plans to expand its production capacity by opening FAB1, a new microfactory in Billerica, Mass. The company plans to begin operations at FAB1 on Oct. 5. This means it will achieve full factory readiness in just 70 days from receiving the keys. The factory will use less than $5 million in equipment. Reframe designed FAB1 to produce up to 500 multifamily units or 250 single-family homes annually.