Former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt has made a remarkable comeback to the racing scene, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between McLaren and American electronics company Arrow. The partnership has resulted in the development of the Semi-Autonomous Mobility (SAM) Car, which allows Schmidt, who is quadriplegic and paralyzed below the neck, to control the car using only his breath and head movements.
The SAM Car: A Revolutionary Technology
The SAM car is equipped with a unique “sip and puff” function that allows Schmidt to control the acceleration and braking of the car by blowing and sucking on a tube. The car also includes a head-tracking system that allows him to steer the car by turning his head. Additionally, the car has a semi-autonomous driving feature that can take over control of the car in case of an emergency.
Schmidt, who suffered a life-changing injury in 2000, never thought he would experience the thrill of racing again. “For 22 years, I really had to rely on other people to do most of my daily tasks,” Schmidt said in an interview with CNN Sport at the Goodwood Racetrack in the UK. “So when I first drove the car, it’s like: ‘I’m actually controlling 100% of these functions.’ I have the gas and the brake and the head movements and so there’s nothing more in my life that makes me feel that normal – and that’s pretty spectacular.”
A Tragic Accident and a Grueling Rehabilitation
Schmidt’s accident occurred during a testing session in Florida, where he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete wall at 180 miles per hour. The accident left Schmidt with severe spinal cord injuries, and the initial prognosis was bleak. Doctors said he only had a matter of weeks to live and would likely be on a ventilator for the rest of his life.
Schmidt spent six months undergoing a grueling rehabilitation program in the hospital, often for more than five hours a day, before being discharged to begin his new life at home. “A lot of people say: ‘How did you overcome it?’ But the reality is, it affects the family members sometimes more than me because of their lives and their expectations,” said Schmidt. “I mean, it wasn’t my family’s goal in life to beat the Indy 500. That was my dream and, because of my dream, I sort of messed up their plans.”
Finding a New Passion
Along with his wife, Schmidt founded the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of people with paralysis and find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Through the foundation, Schmidt has been able to fund research and development for new technologies that can help individuals with paralysis to live more independently.
The SAM car is one such technology, and it has not only allowed Schmidt to experience the thrill of racing again but also has the potential to help other individuals with paralysis to drive and live more independently. The SAM car has been used in demonstrations and charity events, and the technology is being developed for use in other vehicles such as vans and trucks.
The Impact of the SAM Car and the Foundation
The SAM car project has also been recognized for its innovation, winning multiple awards for its unique design and technology. The foundation has also been recognized for its impact on the lives of people with paralysis, winning multiple awards and accolades for its work in research and support. The foundation’s efforts have also been featured in multiple media outlets, bringing attention to the challenges faced by individuals with paralysis and the need for advancements in technology and treatment.
The foundation continues to work towards its mission of improving the lives of people with paralysis and finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. It will continue to support research and development of new technologies such as the SAM car, and provide resources and support for individuals with paralysis and their families. One of the main goals of the foundation is to make the SAM car technology more accessible to the public and make it available for purchase. The foundation is also working on developing other assistive technologies and devices that can improve the independence and quality of life of individuals with paralysis.
The foundation’s efforts have also brought attention to the importance of accessibility and inclusion in society, and the need to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. The foundation has also been involved in lobbying efforts to promote accessibility and rights for individuals with paralysis, including advocating for accessibility features in new vehicles and buildings.
The partnership between McLaren and American electronics company Arrow has allowed a quadriplegic former IndyCar driver, Sam Schmidt, to race again. The SAM car, developed by this partnership, allows Schmidt to control the car using only his breath and head movements. This technology has not only allowed Schmidt to experience the thrill of racing again but also has the potential to help other individuals with paralysis to drive and live more independently. The foundation’s efforts have also brought attention to the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and support for people with disabilities in society.
