Homebuilder D.R. Horton Signs Robotics Deal for Factory Production

by Julie Gerstein

D.R. Horton, the country's largest homebuilder, announced this week that it signed a multiyear deal with Canadian robotics firm Promise Robotics to build more than 1,250 homes using its AI-powered "factory as a service" platform.

The partnership is the first of its kind for D.R. Horton, which built about 85,000 homes last year and more than 1 million homes in the U.S. since it was founded in 1978.

The "factory as a service" approach lets Horton use Promise's AI-enhanced production capabilities without investing in a factory buildout. Crucially, Promise's platform can ingest Horton's existing designs to generate instructions and workflows for its robotic arms.

AI tools are integrated into everything from generating production plans to developing integrated manufacturing processes.

Promise's robots will handle most factory production—including components like stairs, doors, and window frames—before the home is assembled on-site. Its facilities recently began producing plumbing and HVAC components as well.

While D.R. Horton hasn't traditionally built modular homes, this partnership marks a step toward incorporating modular production technicues into its portfolio.

Last year, Promise signed a smaller but similar deal with Mattamy Homes and has since completed around 200 homes.

Despite recording $9.2 billion in third-quarter revenue, D.R. Horton has felt the strain of a softening housing market and is looking for ways to remain competitive. In its 2025 annual report, the company acknowledged that lagging construction times, building material shortages, supply chain disruptions, and a tight labor market had squeezed its profit margins.

Using Promise's approach, delivery times could drop dramatically, though questions remain about how its processes might scale—and at what cost, though Promise says its processes will keep home prices at current market rates.

Robotic arms assembling engineered wood wall panels on an automated production line — D.R. Horton, the country's largest homebuilder, announced this week that it signed a multiyear deal with Canadian robotics firm Promise Robotics to build more than 1,250 homes (Promise Robotics)

"Homebuilding has long lacked the production infrastructure needed to scale with the speed, predictability, and efficiency of modern manufacturing," said Promise co-founder and CEO Ramtin Attar. "Our goal is to make that capability accessible to builders across North America and support the industry's long-term growth."

AI adoption among homebuilders continues to slowly grow. In a 2025 survey of 301 builders conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, 32% reported using AI, up from 20% in 2024. They reported using it primarily for marketing, marketing analysis, and project design.

Other large builders, including PulteGroup and Lennar, have begun testing AI-powered tools and processes.

In 2021, Lennar announced a partnership with Texas-based 3D-printing company Icon to produce the world's largest 3D-printed housing development, comprising 100 homes. Around 75% of the homes have already sold.

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