Arrow Electronics’ Semi-Autonomous Car Hits Record 152 MPH With Quadriplegic Former Racecar Driver Behind the Wheel

INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Former IndyCar driver, and current team owner, Sam Schmidt reached a top
speed of 152 mph today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a newly
designed semi-autonomous motorcar (SAM) developed by Arrow Electronics,
Inc. (NYSE:ARW). Schmidt, who has been paralyzed and unable to use his
arms and legs since a racing accident in 2000, completed the record
drive in between qualifying laps for the 100th running of the
Indianapolis 500.


The modified 2016 Corvette Z06 features 200+ more horsepower than the
previous model and is the second open-source semi-autonomous car that
Arrow has built. Arrow engineers also improved the electronics that
allow Schmidt to steer, accelerate and brake using only his head.
Sensors mounted on a high-tech headset that Schmidt wears more
accurately connect to infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard and
detect his head-tilt motions to steer. The car now also features
state-of-art live streaming and replay of telemetry, driver biometrics,
environmental conditions, driver point-of-view video and other key data,
enabling Schmidt and his co-driver to correct any issues in real-time.

“Arrow’s engineers incorporated insights learned from the previous model
to build an advanced car design that incorporates cutting-edge Internet
of Things
technologies and live data-streaming, among other exciting
improvements,” said Joe Verrengia, Arrow’s global director of corporate
social responsibility, who oversees the company’s award-winning SAM
project
. “We hope the SAM car continues to inspire and drive
technology innovation forward.”

The SAM project’s objectives are not to transfer control of a vehicle to
technology, but rather to enable disabled drivers to enjoy the driving
experience by leveraging the power of technology. All of the software
and technology that Arrow developed for the car is open to the developer
and engineering communities, and it has promising broader applications
for independent living.

“It was a thrill to be back in control and hitting racing speeds on the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway again,” said Schmidt, who blasted past his
previous SAM car top speed of 107 mph, set in 2014 at the same track.
“The SAM project is a great example of what’s possible when the right
people come together to innovate and push boundaries.”

Arrow will showcase the original SAM car, a modified Corvette Stingray,
at high-profile events around the world to help raise awareness of the
power of technology to improve lives.

The SAM project is a collaborative venture between Arrow Electronics, Schmidt
Peterson Motorsports
, the nonprofit organization Conquer
Paralysis Now
and Paravan
GmbH
, a world leader in innovative automobile conversions for
drivers with severe disabilities.

For more information on the Arrow SAM project please visit http://arrow.com/SAM/.

Keep up with SAM project developments on Twitter by following
#ArrowDriven.

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow
Electronics
is a global provider of products, services and solutions
to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and
enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves as a supply channel partner
for more than 100,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract
manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more
than 460 locations serving over 85 countries.

Contacts

Arrow Electronics
Meghan Macdonald, 303-824-4589
mmacdonald@arrow.com

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