Arrow Electronics Technology Makes Historic Race Possible
Racing legend Mario Andretti went head-to-head with former Indy Racing League driver and current Verizon IndyCar Series team co-owner Sam Schmidt in the world’s first semi-autonomous vehicle demonstration race at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.
Schmidt, who is paralyzed from the chest down, drove a Corvette Z06 that global technology company Arrow Electronics modified so he can drive it using only the motions of his head. Andretti challenged Schmidt in a similar, Arrow-modified Corvette Stingray.
The legendary faceoff raised money for Conquer Paralysis Now, a leading nonprofit authority on spinal cord injury research and treatment founded by Schmidt.
The SAM Car project aims to enable drivers with physical disabilities to experience the mobility and independence of driving again by leveraging the power of technology. All of the software and technology that Arrow develops for the car is open to the developer and engineering communities and has promising broader applications for independent living.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the historic race and dig deeper into the SAM Car project all this month on Arrow’s social media channels: @ArrowGlobal, instagram.com/arrowelectronics and facebook.com/arrowfiveyearsout.
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.
