Researchers at Canada's Laurentian University are developing a wireless data system using laser beams for environments like deep water, deep space and deep underground during mining operations. Unfortunately, the project doesn't have deep pockets. The $600,000 Underwater Tele-robotic Optical Communication Project is funded by Ontario Centres of Excellence and the Industry Canada agency FedNor, plus a bevy of mining companies. The most immediate application is underwater. Researchers plan to build a mini-submarine that houses a computer, communications gear and a fricken laser beam on its fricken head that would communicate with the surface with flashes of laser light.