I knew this technology has been around for awhile - mainly used to recover audio from old magnetic tape, cylinders, etc. but now there is a version available to regular consumers that reads vinyl:
"Japan-based ELP Corporation has released the LT-1LRC laser turntable which uses not one, not two, but five lasers to read the pits and grooves on records. Record collectors shouldn't have to worry about any damage because the lasers harmlessly bounce off the pits and grooves of the record - something that can't be said for the traditional record needle."
Read it all here.