#21 The Future of Innovation: Apple vs Samsung & VR Court

In partnership with

New Year, New Me? Nah, New Robots!

Do you think robots are finally going to shake things up this year, or will they keep pretending to be better versions of us—minus the coffee addiction? Either way, 2025 is looking like the year where tech takes a big leap, and who knows? Maybe your next workout buddy or courtroom expert will have circuits instead of muscles. Let’s dive in and see what’s cooking in the world of innovation!

Apple vs Samsung: A Legendary Battle Levels Up—Now with Robots!

It’s happening—Apple and Samsung, the tech world’s most iconic rivals, are taking their long-standing competition into the realm of humanoid robots. No longer just about smartphones and smartwatches, their rivalry now aims to define the future of robotics, where innovation and AI collide in a race to build the ultimate humanoid.

Apple Steps Into the Arena

Apple, known for its sleek designs and high-end tech, has entered the robotics scene with a groundbreaking system called ARMOR. Developed in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, ARMOR is a collision avoidance system that enhances the spatial awareness of humanoid robots. It uses advanced ToF (Time-of-Flight) depth sensors mounted on a robot’s arms, eliminating blind spots and enabling robots to move dynamically and safely in complex environments.

ARMOR’s capabilities are powered by a motion-planning framework called ARMOR-Policy, trained on 86 hours of human motion data. This technology significantly reduces collisions by 63.7%, increases task success rates by 78.7%, and cuts computational latency by 26 times compared to older systems. The result is a robot that navigates with precision and agility, making it efficient and highly capable in real-world tasks.

Apple’s approach aligns with its reputation for innovation and refinement. Its humanoid solutions are expected to combine cutting-edge technology with a design aesthetic that stands out, setting a high standard in robotics.

Samsung Powers Up

Samsung isn’t sitting idle. It recently boosted its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35%, securing its position as the largest shareholder and signaling a strong commitment to advancing humanoid robots. Rainbow Robotics, a company known for its engineering prowess, has developed robots like Hubo, a DARPA Robotics Challenge winner, and the RB-Y1, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed for industrial applications.

With the establishment of a Future Robotics Office, Samsung is channeling its resources into developing intelligent humanoid robots. The office, led by robotics pioneer Dr. Jun-Ho Oh, focuses on integrating Rainbow Robotics’ expertise with Samsung’s AI and software capabilities. The goal is to create robots that excel in manufacturing, logistics, and beyond, while also expanding globally through Samsung’s extensive infrastructure.

A New Chapter in the Rivalry

This next phase in the Apple vs. Samsung saga takes their rivalry to new heights. Apple is refining humanoids with sleek efficiency, while Samsung powers ahead with industrial-grade innovation.

Humanoid robots are the new frontier for these tech giants—but the real question is: when their robots meet, will they argue about whose creator has the better taste in tech?

Want to get the most out of ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a superpower if you know how to use it correctly.

Discover how HubSpot's guide to AI can elevate both your productivity and creativity to get more things done.

Learn to automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation with the power of AI.

Download the free guide with actionable prompts and tips to make your work more productive.

Florida Court Steps into the Future with Virtual Reality Crime Scene

Florida has made tech history. In a courtroom first, virtual reality was used to examine an alleged crime scene. Broward County Judge Andrew Siegel donned a Meta Quest 2 VR headset, supplied by the defense, to virtually step into the wedding venue at the center of the case.

The defendant, Miguel Albisu, is on trial for aggravated assault after allegedly waving a gun at unruly guests at his Southwest Ranches venue. Albisu’s team recreated the venue in VR to provide a detailed view of the events. According to his attorney, Ken Padowitz, the chaos began when a DJ threw a chair, injuring a party planner. Albisu, awoken by his staff, claims he acted in self-defense to protect his property under Florida’s stand-your-ground law.

During the proceedings, VR headsets were used by Judge Siegel, lawyers, and defense expert Bill Engler to visualize the scene. Engler narrated key moments, including when Albisu, cornered against a bar, drew his gun.

This use of VR, potentially the first in any U.S. court, reflects Padowitz’s history of introducing innovative tech in legal cases. The judge will decide in February if VR can be shown to the jury, potentially setting a new standard for courtroom evidence.

At the crossroads of law and technology, Florida courts are exploring a bold new frontier—where virtual crime scenes might become the norm.