Arrow Electronics’ SAM Car Highlighted at International Sport Innovation Summit

MEXICO CITY, March 3, 2016 /3BL Media/ --The semi-autonomous motorcar (SAM) developed by Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) for quadriplegic former racecar driver Sam Schmidt was highlighted today at the international Sport Innovation Summit.

“A lot of people ask me why Arrow created this innovative car in the first place. We created the SAM car to help and inspire Sam Schmidt—and millions of people like him,” said Arrow’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility Director Joe Verrengia, who spoke at the Summit and leads the SAM project for Arrow. “Now the SAM project is inspiring other technology innovations to help people, and sports are the catalyst.”

Schmidt has been paralyzed and unable to use his arms and legs since a racing accident in 2000. Driving a modified Corvette Stingray that Arrow equipped with advanced electronics, he 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-tilt motions in order to steer. He can accelerate and brake by sucking or blowing into a tube attached to an integrated pressure sensor.

Arrow launched the SAM project in May 2014 at the Indianapolis 500, where Schmidt drove four demonstration laps at a top speed of 107 mph and garnered worldwide attention. The SAM project is a collaborative venture between Arrow Electronics, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and the nonprofit Conquer Paralysis Now.

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.

“Arrow Electronics is committed to developing innovative technology that can help change people’s lives,” said Michael J. Long, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Arrow. “Our SAM car project continues to demonstrate Arrow’s commitment to working five years out.”

The Sport Innovation Summit is the largest innovation and networking sports hub that gathers international experts and senior decision-makers in the world of sports to explore how innovation is changing the business. It attracts over 650 attendees, including ministries of sport, sports federations and professional clubs, athletes and coaches, sport equipment companies, brands, media and other stakeholders.

For more information on the SAM project, please visit http://arrow.com/SAM/. Keep up with the SAM project on Twitter by following #SAMracecar.

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.

Contact
Meghan Macdonald
303-824-4589
mmacdonald@arrow.com