The future of consumer robotics lies with basic technology, like what is found in children's toys, he said. Keeping that principle in mind, Fisher's company is developing a line of robot toys that function with rudimentary electronics.

Like the robot itself, the robot's software must also solve a legitimate problem. Creating applications with a purpose leads to a software platform that can be expanded over time and applied to future robots. Conversely, engineering a robot and then writing software leads to products that don't solve problems or make money, he said.