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Skild Robotics Operations

Door-knock script

Scope

Field-operator script for first contact at a residential door during PortalCam scan routes. Defines wording for opener, common questions, privacy concerns, and refusal.

Purpose

Standardized, low-friction, plain-language conversation that respects the homeowner, accurately describes the work, and does not over-explain. Less is more. [SOURCE: WEB Portal Scan §"Homeowner Conversation Guide"; Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.1]

Required inputs / tools

  • Field operator ID card.
  • Phone with heatmap preview ready on screen (show only if it helps keep explanation simple).

Core wording rules

RuleWording
Hard boundary”It is exterior only.”
Soft scope”I am focused mainly on the front walkway area, such as the entry path, steps, and curb.”
LengthKeep answers to 1–2 sentences, then pause.
PrincipleAnswer the exact question asked. Don’t add extra layers unless they ask.

[SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.1; WEB Portal Scan §"Core Rules"]

Words to use vs avoid

AvoidUse instead
AIMeasurements
RecordingHeat map
SurveillanceWalkway map
Model training / datasetMeasurement view
Computer vision / LiDARFront entry area
”Scanning your house”Accessibility tech
”Collecting images of your home”Navigation tech

[SOURCE: WEB Portal Scan §"Never Say / Use Instead"; Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.2]

Main openers

Pick the one that fits the moment.

Main opener:

“Hi, hope you are having a good day. I am doing quick exterior measurements to help make accessibility and navigation tech better. I am focused mainly on the front walkway area, such as the entry path, steps, and curb. Would you be open to a quick one? It is usually under 10 minutes.”

Social-proof opener (only if true):

“Hi, a couple of your neighbors were kind enough to let me do quick exterior measurements of the front walkway area. I am focused mainly on the entry path, steps, and curb. Would you be open to a quick one?”

Softer opener:

“Hi, sorry to bother you. I am working through the neighborhood doing quick exterior measurements that help improve accessibility and navigation. I am focused mainly on the front walkway area and can be in and out quickly.”

[SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.3]

Common Q&A

”What is that device?”

“This is the device I use to capture measurements.”

If helpful, show the heatmap preview and keep the explanation short. Do not name the technology.

”What are you doing?”

“I am making a quick heat map / measurement view of the front entry area. I am focused mainly on the ground-level surfaces used to get from the street or driveway to the door."

"Why does this matter?”

“The more variety we get in real walkways, the better navigation tech can become.”

If they want more: “Better navigation can mean better help. For example, this kind of tech could someday make it easier for someone who is blind or has mobility limitations to get safely from a car to a door.”

Do not promise a specific product or timeline. Keep it framed as general future value. [SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.5]

”Why this neighborhood?”

“We are looking for variety — different curb heights, steps, slopes, and materials. That variety helps make navigation more reliable.”

If true and useful: “I have already done a few nearby homes, and the neighborhood has been very friendly.”

Keep it simple. Does not need a long justification. [SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.7]

Privacy concerns

“Totally fair question. It is exterior only, and I keep it focused mainly on the walkway area.”

“I am not trying to focus on windows, and I keep it pointed downward as much as possible.”

“If there is any area you want me to avoid, just let me know.”

Do not argue. Reassure scope. Offer control. Let them decide. [SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.6]

If they hesitate

“No pressure. I can keep it mainly to the front entry path.”

If they say yes

“Thank you. I will keep it focused mainly on the walkway area and be done as quickly as I can. If there is anywhere you want me to avoid, just let me know.”

If they say no

“Completely understand. Thanks for your time — have a great day.”

Do not argue or linger after a clean no. [SOURCE: WEB Portal Scan; Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.8]

Flustered reset line

If you start rambling, stop and reset to one sentence:

“It is a quick exterior heat map / measurement focused mainly on the front walkway area to help make accessibility navigation better.” [SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.9]

Suggested conversation flow

  1. Approach with the device at your side, relaxed posture, heatmap preview ready if needed.
  2. Short opener: quick exterior measurements, accessibility / navigation benefit, mainly the front walkway area, under 10 minutes.
  3. If asked what the device is → “This is the device I use to capture measurements.” Show heatmap preview only if helpful.
  4. If asked what area you need → focused mainly on the front entry path, steps, curb, and slight side context when safe.
  5. If they raise privacy → exterior only, focused on walkway, pointed down, can avoid any area they specify.
  6. If they seem receptive → confirm the boundary before starting: walkway / steps / curb area, finish as quickly as practical.
  7. If they decline → exit cleanly, no pushing.

[SOURCE: Outdoor PortalCam SOP §9.10]

If things get heated

You are not in charge of conflict resolution. If someone is aggressive, hostile, or the situation feels uncomfortable:

  1. Stay calm. Don’t argue.
  2. Hand over your field operator card.
  3. Say: “Here’s my card. Feel free to reach out with any questions.”
  4. Walk away. Mark the house in PortalTrack with a note. Report it.

Your safety matters more than any single scan. If it escalates beyond a polite conversation, hand over your field operator card, disengage, and move on. Report it. We’ll handle it from there. [SOURCE: WEB Portal Scan §"If Things Get Heated"]

Emergency operator contact numbers: 510-497-0829 | 510-626-0573

Source notes

  • [SOURCE: WEB (Current) Portal.Scan.Final.SOPReal.docx] V2.0 March 2026 — Homeowner Conversation Guide.
  • [SOURCE: Outdoor_PortalCam_Scan_SOP.docx] §9 (full conversation guide; more detailed).