Conshohocken’s Allied Universal has added two dozen robots to its roster of security guards in an effort to stay current with industry innovations, writes Joseph N. DiStefano for Philly.com.

According to chief executive, Steve Jones, the domed patrollers have been well received by clients, bolstering the company’s determination to pursue new technologies.

“It’s a big focus for us,” said Jones. “We don’t want the industry to innovate without us.”

The company, which was created in a merger last year, has shifted its growth strategy from buying other companies to investing in new surveillance technology to assist its security team.

As part of this, Allied Universal now uses robots to help introduce the public to what it feels is the future of security. But the company emphasized that robots are not replacing human guards.

“You are always going to need people to respond to situations,” said Jones. “A robot or a drone or cameras may help identify an emergency. But if someone is breaking and entering a building, you need a physical presence.”

However, he added that this also presents another challenge, finding new employees as the labor market continues to tighten.

Read more about Allied Universal’s future plans at Philly.com by clicking here.