First-Ever Semi-Autonomous Motorcar Modified for Individuals with Quadriplegia to Be Officially Demonstrated During 2014 Indy...
May 15 2014 - 5:54PM
Business Wire
Driving the first-of-its-kind car controlled only by his head,
former IndyCar driver and current Verizon IndyCar Series Team owner
Sam Schmidt will return to the track during the 2014 Indianapolis
500 Pole Day qualifications for the first time since he was
paralyzed in a practice accident in 2000.
Driving a modified 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray dubbed the SAM
Project, standing for “semi-autonomous motorcar,” Schmidt will
become the first person with quadriplegia to drive a race car at
speed using integrated advanced electronics. It is anticipated that
he will take four consecutive demonstration laps at 9:30 a.m. ET on
Sunday, May 18, prior to Old National Armed Forces Pole Day
qualifying for the 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile
Race.
The vehicle integrates the following technology:
- Infrared camera system—four sensors
mounted on Schmidt’s hat connected to infrared cameras mounted on
the dashboard that detect his head tilt motions in order to steer
and accelerate.
- Bite sensor—Schmidt holds a device in
his mouth and bites down on it to slow down or brake.
- Computer system—a central processor
collects signals from the camera system and bite sensor to control
the car’s acceleration, braking and steering,
- GPS technology—a guidance system that
keeps the car within 1.5 meters from the edge of the track. Schmidt
has a width of approximately 10 meters to steer within.
- Safety system—a set of software
algorithms that ensure commands sent to the computer system are
real and defined within the vehicle’s limits.
The SAM Project is a collaborative venture between Arrow
Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW), Ball Aerospace &
Technologies Corp., Schmidt Peterson Motor Sports and Falci
Adaptive Motorsports, a nonprofit. Arrow is leading the development
of the SAM car and the systems integration, as well as the
engineering of specific systems for the car. Ball is leading the
modification of the human-to-machine interface and driver-guidance
system. The Air Force Research Laboratory is monitoring the
driver’s biometrics during laps, as well as collecting data in how
the driver interacts with the guidance systems. Dr. Scott Falci is
serving as the project’s medical director.
“The SAM Project underscores the power of innovation in creating
a better future for all of us, and what better setting to
demonstrate automotive innovation than at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, the proving ground for new technology since the turn of
the 20th century,” said Michael J. Long, chairman, president and
chief executive officer, Arrow. “Less than a year ago, a group of
engineers and medical experts came together with the goal of
getting Sam back into the driver’s seat after 14 years living with
quadriplegia. We look forward to celebrating this historic moment
with Sam.”
Following its demonstration, the SAM vehicle will be brought to
events for public inspiration and education, disabled community
awareness and business development opportunities. The project also
supports Conquer Paralysis Now, Schmidt’s foundation dedicated to
finding a cure for paralysis.
ABOUT THE SAM PROJECT
The SAM (semi-autonomous motorcar) Project is an innovative
project in which a 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray car has been modified
with integrated advanced electronics and a human-to-machine
interface so a qualified quadriplegic driver can safely operate it
under racetrack conditions. The concept of modifying cars so
disabled racers might return to the racetrack is championed by
Colorado neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Falci. The SAM Project is a
collaborative venture between Arrow Electronics, Ball Aerospace
& Technologies Corp., the Air Force Research Laboratory,
Schmidt Peterson Motor Sports and Falci Adaptive Motorsports. More
information about the project is available at
http://arrowsamcar.com/.
ABOUT SAM PROJECT PARTNERS
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics (www.arrow.com) 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 in 58
countries. Based in Englewood, Colo., Arrow guides today’s
innovators to a better tomorrow – a world of Five Years Out. Five
Years Out is a community of builders and engineers who navigate the
path between possibility and practicality. Arrow is guiding the SAM
project forward to improve mobility for the disabled and
demonstrate the power of innovation. For more information about
Arrow and the SAM project, visit www.arrow.com.
About Ball Aerospace & Technologies
Corp.
Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of the
Ball Corporation and based in Broomfield, Colo., prides itself on
its agility to innovate and strength to deliver for defense,
intelligence, civil and commercial customers. The company advances
science and protects the nation through the development and
manufacture of space systems, tactical defense products and
geospatial information solutions. Ball is a key contributor of
technical innovations for the SAM project and leads the
modification of the human-to-machine interface and driver guidance
system. www.ballaerospace.com
About the Air Force Research
Laboratory
The Air Force Research Laboratory is a scientific research
organization operated by the United States Air Force Materiel
Command dedicated to leading the discovery, development, and
integration of affordable aerospace warfighting technologies,
planning and executing the Air Force science and technology
program, and provide warfighting capabilities to United States air,
space, and cyberspace forces. www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl
About Falci Adaptive
Motorsports
Falci Adaptive Motorsports is a registered Colorado nonprofit.
Its mission is to provide opportunity, education and inspiration to
the public through disabled racing initiatives and advancements in
spinal cord injury research encompassing spinal cord regeneration
techniques, drug development for spinal cord injury neuropathic
pain, and development of adaptive technologies for those with
spinal cord injury and disabilities in general. One of FAM’s
priorities is to demonstrate the SAM vehicle to advance new
mobility systems and lower the barriers that discourage and isolate
the disabled community. www.falcimotorsports.org
About Schmidt Peterson Motor
Sports
Schmidt Peterson Motor Sports is a racing team owned by
quadriplegic Sam Schmidt and partners. SPMS competes in both
IndyCar and Indy Lights. The SAM C7 was modified at its racing
garage in Indianapolis. SPMS’s priorities are for Sam Schmidt to
safely drive at speed and to support the disabled community through
his related charity, Conquer Paralysis Now. www.spmindycar.com
Arrow ElectronicsDawn Small, 720-250-6103dsmall@arrow.comorBall
Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Mary Engola,
571-236-0950mengola@ball.comorFor Schmidt Peterson Motor
SportsKrystin Wiggs, 317-731-6394krystin@grand-solutions.netorFalci
Adaptive MotorsportsKirsten Kryzstek,
303-789-8984Kirsten@falcimotorsports.orgorAir Force Research
LaboratoryChristina Wooten,
937-255-3814christina.wooten@us.af.mil
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