Arrow Electronics’ CSR Projects Honored With Two Award Nominations

CENTENNIAL, Colo./ 3BL Media/ - Arrow Electronics is a finalist in the upcoming PR Week 360 Awards and SABRE Awards North America for projects related to the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) work.

Arrow’s DigiTruck project is a finalist in the “CSR” category for the PR Week 360 Awards announced April 28 in London. Arrow’s semi-autonomous motorcar (SAM) project and DigiTruck projects are both finalists in the “Technology: Hardware” category SABRE Awards North America announced May 3 in New York.

The DigiTruck is a mobile classroom or clinic that can operate off-grid in remote areas. Built from a refurbished 40-foot steel cargo container, it is triple insulated to protect against tropical heat and deter vandalism. Rooftop solar panels can power the unit for two days. Donated electronics from Arrow Electronics’ value recovery business inside the DigiTruck include refurbished laptops, mobile devices and an LED flat screen monitor. Arrow launched the DigiTruck program in Africa with its nonprofit partner Close the Gap in 2015.

Arrow developed the SAM car in 2014 for quadriplegic former racecar driver Sam Schmidt who has been paralyzed and unable to use his arms and legs since a racing accident in 2000. 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.

Driving a modified Corvette that Arrow equipped with advanced electronics, Schmidt is able to steer, accelerate and brake using only his head. Sensors mounted on Schmidt’s hat connect to infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard that detect his head motions in order to steer. He can accelerate and brake by sucking or blowing into a tube attached to an integrated pressure sensor. The SAM project is a collaborative venture between Arrow Electronics, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and the nonprofit Conquer Paralysis Now.

To learn more about Arrow’s dedicated CSR program please view our 2015 Corporate Social Responsibilty and Sustainabilty Report. To learn more about how Arrow guides innovation forward, please visit www.fiveyearsout.com.  

Media Contact:
Meghan Macdonald
mmacdonald@arrow.com
(303) 824-4589