Tech Universe: Friday 28 January

In the UK, Jim Starr fitted out his wheelchair for snow, sand and surf. Photo / ProtestLondon08

BIG RIG WHEELCHAIR: In the UK, Jim Starr fitted out his wheelchair for snow, sand and surf. Unfortunately though, the caterpillar-treads, metre width and 220 Kg weight mean it can't be classified as a wheelchair, so he can't use it on the streets. It's a monster chair, for sure. More at TheMercury and video on YouTube.

CAMEL SHOCK: In Dubai camel racing's all the rage. But the jockeys are robots. That's cool, but the story is that some robots have been secretly fitted with stun guns to shock the camels into speeding up. Luckily the police are onto the scam. Robot riders race rigged. More at The Telegraph.

WATER HOG: Masahide Ichikawa, in Japan, claims to have invented a
motorbike powered by salt water and sunshine. The sun's heat
evaporates salt water to create sodium metal. When the metal's mixed
with water the chemical reaction powers the bike's engine. A story
that needs a pinch of salt... More at JapanProbe.

BUS LEVELS: Bored at the bus stop? In San Francisco 20 downtown bus stops have poster-size touchscreens, courtesy of Yahoo. While waiting for a bus you can play online games against travellers at the other bus stops. There's a big prize for the winning neighbourhood. Just don't forget to board the bus. More at Sfexaminer.

UPHILL SKIING: What say you were on skis, towing a 10.5 horsepower 4-stroke engine that could give you a bit of a push? That's what the Skizee does. The engine drives a single caterpillar tread, while a rigid 'towbar' means it can push you up hills. Ideal for the freelance skier who travels where there are no chairlifts. I'm sure 007 could have used this. I wonder if it comes in silent? More at Skizee and video on YouTube.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz