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TDP2 — Robots First, Then Humans Protocol

Last modified by Tjalling Haije on 2026/03/23 10:59
 TDP2 Robots First, Then Humans Protocol
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DescriptionRobots explore first; humans enter only after safe passage is guaranteed. Robots and humans are working in an alternating fashion sweeping areas or floors for speed.
IntentReduce human exposure while maintaining tempo.
ContextUnknown or unsafe areas under time pressure.
ProblemEarly entry increases risk; waiting blindly wastes time.
Solution

Phase A: Robotic Recon (autonomous/assisted) to map, detect hazards, propose ingress.

Go/No-Go gates (e.g., coverage ≥ X%, hazards, ≥ Z viable routes).

Phase B: Human Entry after a standardized Recon Brief; keep robotic overwatch.

RolesRecon Operator; Analyst; Safety Officer; Entry Team Lead.
Taks balance (Human vs Machine)

Human: set objectives, interpret brief, decide go/no-go, choose route, manage risk.

Machine: run coverage sweeps, detect/label hazards, provide confidence

Advantages
  • Increased situation awareness for first responder team (due to detailed information (videostream, audio, 3D map, etc.) from the robot.)
  • Improved safety for first responders (due to avoiding more hazards due to increased situation awareness of site interior.)
  • More effective decision making which resulted in positive outcomes (due to increased situation awareness.)
Disadvantages
  • Risk of delay if robots struggle.
  • Potentially slower mission completion time due to robot being slower than human or dog. 
Related TDPs/IDPsTDP5, TDP6; IDP2.