The Ladder Test, as a tool
Robot or ladder?
Six questions, about a minute. You get a plain verdict with the reasons, plus the job's sourced prices and suppliers. Sometimes the answer is the ladder.
How the verdict works
No AI and no guessing. Each answer adds points to the robot side or the person side, and the verdict comes from the difference. The ladder question counts double for the person, and height or danger counts double for the robot. If the robot side leads by 2 or more and the job needs hands, the answer is both. 'Not sure' adds nothing. The rules come from our guide, which has worked examples with sourced prices.
| Question | Robot points | Person points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Could one competent person with a ladder or hand tools do it safely in an afternoon? | No: +1 | Yes: +2 |
| 2. Would a person have to work at height, near live equipment, over water or in a confined space? | Yes: +2 | – |
| 3. Is it big? | Yes: +1 | – |
| 4. Does it repeat on a schedule? | Yes: +1 | – |
| 5. Do you need a measured record? | Yes: +1 | – |
| 6. Does it need hands? | – | Yes: +1 |
Read the guide: Do you need a robot, or a guy with a ladder?
For AI agents: the same verdict as JSON. GET /api/v1/robot-or-ladder?ladder=no&risk=yes&job=roof-inspection-drone