Strolling down Cherry Lane, a two-wheeled robot followed the paces of York City Police Officer Derek Hartman and John McElligott, the CEO of York Exponential — a local robotics company.

A class of local high school students, passing along the street in front of Central Market, gazed with questions as the robot took direction from McElligott.

"C'mon buddy," he said, as the robot, locking on to him, followed directions.

Could this become the newest member of York's law enforcement team?

The York City Police Department already uses many technologies to its advantage, and McElligott believes that the "Loomo" could be the next addition to the force.

He said his collaborative robotics company focuses on designing robots to "work next to people, not replace them."

The two-wheeled, self-balancing "Loomo" resembles the bottom end of a Segway — and it can be ridden like one, too, if desired.

Some of the robot's features include two cameras, including a depth censor for 3D facial recognition, autonomous following and some GPS capabilities. While in the early stages still, McElligott said that the hope is the "Loomo" will be able to recognize signs of a heart attack or a fight and be able to alert the right emergency responder.

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"I really want the robots to be that first level of awareness for (the police)," McElligott said. "The ultimate goal would be to have these robots be able to autonomously patrol parks, maybe places where there's high crime or drug traffic."

The robots weigh between 30 to 40 pounds and are self-aware when it comes to charging. They would understand low battery level and go to a dock to recharge.

York City Police Officer Derek Hartman said that the robot could prove to be a successful deterrent.

"Whether it be a local person in the community that's going to stand up and say, 'Hey, what you're doing is wrong.' Or, whether it be a robot that can verbalize something like that and help with our response," Hartman said. "Whenever somebody knows they might be caught for something, they're less likely to further engage in their actions."

Officer Hartman and McElligott continued their walk with "Loomo" through Cherry Lane and Central Market on Thursday afternoon, discussing some of the pros to having a robot help on patrols.

There is no agreement in place with the police department and York Exponential yet, but McElligott thinks that the robots would be a positive addition to the force.