Tech Universe: Friday 25 February

The Raonhaje EGO may look like a low profile catamaran or raft as it floats on the surface of the water, but that's because all the features are under water. Photo / Supplied

DRIVE UNDERWATER: The Raonhaje EGO may look like a low profile catamaran or raft as it floats on the surface of the water, but that's because all the features are under water. It's a battery powered compact semi submarine that you drive like a car. Top speed is 4 knots and it runs 6-10 hours on a single charge. Radio, depth gauge and monitoring systems are included for your comfort. Imagine hiring these out round the coast. More at BornRich and video on YouTube.

SPOT THE LIFEJACKET: Maritime search and rescue operations involve scanning large areas of ocean looking for boats, debris or people. New software has been developed to process images and detect small, highly visible objects such as lifejackets. It's just a small speck in a very large sea. More at SuasNews.

CLOSE TO THE HEART: We all know the blood pressure cuff around the upper arm - it's not necessarily terribly accurate. A new device that you wear around your wrist measures the pulse wave of the largest artery in the body. Readings are combined with a traditional blood pressure reading from a cuff. That allows the pressure close to the heart to be established - a much more accurate reading. So now it's 2 devices instead of one? I guess more accuracy is always a good thing. More at The University of Leicester.

COPY THIS COIN: Canada wants to stop people counterfeiting their $1 and $2 coins. New coins may be made of multi-ply plated steel alloy and include high-tech security features, such as a lasermark, a virtual image, an electromagnetic signal and edge lettering. One problem is that existing machines that accept coins may have to be converted for the new versions. You mean it's actually worth counterfeiting coins? More at VancouverSun.

PLASTIC REVERSION: Plastic bags: we love them and hate them too. A Japanese inventor has created a machine that heats up plastic waste then traps and condenses the vapour into crude oil. And it's small enough to fit in your kitchen. 1 Kilo of plastic produces around 1 litre of crude. The only problem here in New Zealand is what to do with a litre of crude oil. More at Physorg.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz