Disney Research has developed a new system called "Botanicus Interactus" that can turn both artificial and living plants into multitouch device controllers. Here's how it works: an electrode placed in the soil of a potted plant senses physical touch and sends the information to a computer or other connected devices. The system can identify where a person is touching a plant, how it touches it (swiping versus tapping) and can even sense when someone is about to touch a plant. Proximity and amount of touch can also be recognized, giving the participant a wide range of possible commands. 

So far, the technology has been used to turn plants into musical instruments. To see how it works for yourself, check out the video below.

via Gizmag