Nevada Issues Autonomous Driver License to Quadriplegic Man
Nevada Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison presented an autonomous vehicle restricted driver license Sept. 28 to Sam Schmidt, who is paralyzed from the neck down.
Schmidt is able to drive a Corvette Z06, modified by Arrow Electronics, using only the motion of his head, his breath and voice commands, according to the electronic components supplier.
“I can’t even begin to explain just how much this provisional driver’s license, and the mobility and independence it represents, mean to me,” Schmidt said in a statement.
“Presenting Sam Schmidt with the first autonomous vehicle driver's license marks a turning point in our state and reinforces how fortunate I am to serve the people of Nevada — a state that values technologies and innovations that strengthen and improve our communities. I'm confident today's events will serve as a catalyst for even more transforming technologies, which will enrich and enhance the lives of all Nevadans. I'd like to thank all of the dedicated individuals who had a part in making today a reality, and congratulate Sam on this milestone,” Hutchison said in a statement.
Video/photos of #Vegas #racing legend Sam Schmidt getting first #semiautonomous license in U.S. @ArrowGlobal #RJnow https://t.co/glwMCwk12c pic.twitter.com/PiTKj2imLT — Benjamin Hager (@BenjaminHphoto) September 29, 2016
After receiving his license, Schmidt drove the semi-autonomous vehicle on a track and public roads. Arrow Electronics said it built the semi-autonomous vehicle, called the Arrow SAM Car, for Schmidt in 2014 to demonstrate the power of technology to improve lives.
“Voice commands enable Schmidt to switch gears and turn the Arrow SAM Car on and off. Sensors mounted on an Arrow-designed high-tech headset he wears connect to infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard and detect Schmidt’s head-tilt motions to steer. A sip-and-puff device that Smith breathes into enables him to accelerate and brake,” the company said in a statement.
Schmidt, a Nevada resident and former Indy Racing League driver, has been paralyzed from the neck down since a racing accident in 2000.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the forward-looking officials in my home state of Nevada and with the great engineering team at Arrow Electronics to safely and responsibly advance autonomous vehicle technology,” Schmidt said in a statement.
Earlier this year, Schmidt reached 152 mph in the SAM Car during demonstration laps at the Indianapolis 500, and he also tackled the hairpin twists and turns of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, according to Arrow.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with Sam and the state of Nevada to guide innovative autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle technologies forward,” said Arrow CEO Mike Long. “We hope the SAM car continues to inspire people to innovate and dream big because as Sam showed us all today, anything is possible.”
Sam to Nevada Lt. Gov Mark Hutchison: "What happens when I get pulled over and the officer says 'can I see your hands'?" #SAMcar #ArrowDriven pic.twitter.com/h1AxRLPojp — Arrow Electronics (@ArrowGlobal) September 28, 2016
