Arrow Electronics’ Innovation Paces Para-Athlete Ride at Colorado Classic
Bicycle-racing enthusiasts from all over the world came together in Colorado last weekend for the inaugural Colorado Classic. Denver-based global technology-solutions provider Arrow Electronics served as a corporate sponsor of the event and hosted the “Athletes with Disabilities Citizen’s Ride,” which was paced by the Arrow SAM Car.
Arrow created its semi-autonomous SAM Car for former racecar driver, Sam Schmidt, who was paralyzed from the chest down during a racing accident in 2000. Arrow modified a Corvette with off-the-shelf technology, creating a vehicle that Schmidt can operate safely and independently using only his head motions.
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 has promising broader applications for independent living. The SAM Car technology will be on display later this month at the Paralyzed Veterans of America Summit.
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 125,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 465 locations serving over 90 countries. Learn more at www.fiveyearsout.com.
