This year’s Goodwood Speed ​​Festival, in addition to the premiere of new cars, also brought some technological innovations. Former Indy Racing League driver Samuel Schmidt controlled the McLaren 720S Spider with head movements and breath. This is the first time anyone has used this type of technology at this event.

Thanks to Arrow Electronic, the 2021 McLaren 720S Spider has been adapted for Samuel Schmidt who, after an accident in 2000, became quadriplegic. He controlled the acceleration and braking of the car by inhaling and exhaling through a “sip-and-puff” device. The car was equipped with infrared cameras that monitored its movements. Also, the driver wore a semi-autonomous SAM Suit exoskeleton to help him walk.

New mobility solutions can restore a certain level of autonomy to those who for some reason are unable to drive a vehicle. Level 3 autonomy is already on public roads, but we will wait a few more years for fully autonomous vehicles with Level 5 autonomy. It is not yet known exactly what the role of Arrow technology will be in the future.

The company also plans to launch races with self-driving technology, and as things stand now this could soon become a reality.

Source: Goodwood Speed ​​Festival