[954Stealth]

By Kyle Newport , Featured Columnist May 13, 2014
bleacherreport.com

Fourteen years after a racing accident left him paralyzed, former Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt will get behind a wheel at the Indy 500.

However, technology has played a big role in getting him back on the track. The SAM (semi-autonomous motorcar) Project uses technology to allow disabled drivers to drive again.

The 49-year-old will be driving in style. A 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray has been modified to allow him to steer with his head.

Here are some more details on the SAM Project, via ArrowSAMCar.com:

“In milliseconds, this system sends signals to a computer that controls the car through an intricate network of sensors and motors that are tied into the car’s standard steering, acceleration and braking systems.

The computer also integrates a GPS system that electronically establishes “virtual curbs”—one meter from the edges of the track. If the car reaches this limit, the system warns the driver to correct course. If the car continues to drift, the system gently auto-corrects the car to keep it on the track.

”Schmidt will have someone sitting in the passenger seat who can control the car if necessary, and the car can also be stopped by engineers in the pit if necessary.

Although Schmidt won't be part of the race, he will get to drive four laps at the Indy 500 on May 25.








So..what do you guys think? Too far? Cool technology? Dangerous for other drivers?

[AtlantaDude]

Those are gonna be some hella neck muscles.... I'm all for it. The only way to make technology is to push existing technology. As long as he doesn't endanger others (notice, if he wants to endanger himself, I'm all for it), let him have his fun.

[Twix]

I think this is great news. I went to high school with a guy who became paralyzed and they out fitted his camero with hand controls. Must be a very good feeling for this guy to be able to drive again.

As far as safety, this system is probably better than most drivers who have full use of their extremities.

[metrickid]

I think this is too far... I know first hand how much control you lose with disabilities far less severe than his and this is not safe for the road in any way!

But as a cool project it is two thumbs up!

[i2ichal2dZ4M]

for normal street driving it may be safe enough. For racing no. Turning any direction during high speed will push your appendages in the opposite direction due to g forces.

[pgviper]

This is absolutely AMAZING!!!

No wonder i'm an engineer, I find these types of breakthroughs absolutely incredible. The amount of R&D that went into getting this thing to work and then the amount of qualification that had to happen in order to make it testable to the point that they put an actually disabled person in the vehicle to try it out is mind blowing.

I wish I could actually be there to see this system. Good luck to Schmidt, this must be a dream come true for him!!!

[Rob Daman]

I'm just curious what happens if you sneeze.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by Rob Daman

I'm just curious what happens if you sneeze.

That's how you activate the spray

[AceOnShake]

Originally Posted by Rob Daman

I'm just curious what happens if you sneeze.

My point exactly! This is dangerous.

[evo335xi]

Yea I agree..if you sneeze,cough, tilt to look to the sideview. Too many sudden movements would make this dangerous. Great engineering though.

[4corners]

Originally Posted by pgviper

This is absolutely AMAZING!!!

No wonder i'm an engineer, I find these types of breakthroughs absolutely incredible. The amount of R&D that went into getting this thing to work and then the amount of qualification that had to happen in order to make it testable to the point that they put an actually disabled person in the vehicle to try it out is mind blowing.

I wish I could actually be there to see this system. Good luck to Schmidt, this must be a dream come true for him!!!

Yes, this is technologically amazing. The possibilities are amazing, "Machines" can be controlled simply by putting on some type of headgear. Helicopters? jets? and could be from a remote location. Awesome.

Does this mean I can drive my RV from the toilet?

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by 4corners

Yes, this is technologically amazing. The possibilities are amazing, "Machines" can be controlled simply by putting on some type of headgear. Helicopters? jets? and could be from a remote location. Awesome.

Does this mean I can drive my RV from the toilet?

If you have enough money.

Currently, vehicles are either on autopilot or controlled by someone with at the controls using their hands etc... The fact that this car can be driven through head motions with no hand controls yet still maintain human inputs is what amazes me start ass.

[accce]

How do you look around you while driving? If the movements of your head control the car how do you look left and right before puling out on a freeway?