Physical AI startup Reframe Systems has raised $40 million to scale its network of robotic microfactories that build climate-resilient homes across North America.
The Massachusetts-based company is on a mission to industrialise homebuilding, with a goal of building one million properties by 2040.
Its microfactories use robotics systems to automate repetitive tasks, including measuring, cutting, fastening and material handling. Meanwhile, builders focus on assembly and finishing.
Unlike traditional modular builders that rely on large, centralised factories, Reframe said its microfactories can adapt production to different zoning requirements, climate conditions and architectural styles.
In Altadena, California, Reframe is helping families rebuild wildfire-resilient bungalows “in months instead of years”.
The wildfires scorched parts of Los Angeles in early 2025, forcing more than 180,000 people to flee their homes.
Vikas Enti, CEO and Co-founder of Reframe, told IZON: “The homes for Altadena exceed the Wildfire Prepared Plus standard; they have a one hour rated exterior assembly and apply Passive House principles for air tightness; and use mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality.”
Jonathan and Marisol Talbot, homeowners of the Altadena bungalow, commented: “After the fires, we were being told that a traditional construction rebuild could take years and could cost far more than we could afford. Reframe streamlined the process, secured the permits, coordinated with a contractor, and is completing our new wildfire-resilient home in months at a cost that worked for our family.”
Reframe was founded by former Amazon robotics leaders Vikas Enti, Felipe Polido and Aaron Small. Their solution seeks to address the housing shortage in America, which stands at 4.7 million homes.
Reframe said this is because most houses are still built by hand, through a “fragmented chain of 25 or more subcontractors drawing on a shrinking pool of skilled trades.” Homes have become too slow to build, too expensive to buy and too scarce in the communities where people want to live.
The new capital will help Reframe scale its microfactory network and deliver more climate-resilient homes, including wildfire-resilient designs in markets where local conditions require them.
Amsterdam-based Monumental is another physical AI company seeking to address the housing crisis using bricklaying robots to automate construction.
The financing was led by Energy Impact Partners (EIP), with co-investments from Counterpart Ventures, E12 Ventures, Global Brain, Thin Line Capital, UP.Partners and LACI Impact Fund.
