How to Make Your Plant Talk

Thanks Next Great Thing for this post on Physcial Computing; the functional leading edge of an interactive reality. Bring it on!

December 16th, 2008 by Laura

Physical Computing: building interactive physical systems using software and hardware that can sense and respond to the analog world by considering how humans communicate through computers and how they express themselves physically.

While physical computing - a threesome of art, DIY and technology - is nothing new, it is certifiably hotter than ever. The last Creative Mornings event focused on the topic, while Make magazine continues to hold meet-ups for the uber-crafty (see their recent Holiday Hackshop). And thanks to companies like Arduino, which sells pre-assembled electronics boards and Adafruit Industries, a veritable nuts and bolts clearinghouse, it has become a breeze for designers, artists, and hobbyists to bring their digital visions to life.

One of our favorite visions is the Botanicalls project, developed by grad students at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. Seeking to promote “successful inter-species understanding between plants and humans,” Botanicalls is a system of moisture sensors linked to an open-source communication platform that allows a plant to contact its owner via text message when a botanical need arises.

Whether requesting water or lamenting excessive sun exposure, plants now have a voice . And yes, that voice Twitters. (No self-respecting Philodendron would dare miss out on Twittermania!)

We think that even more intriguing than Botanicalls’ cool factor (which has been touted by everyone from Wired to Good Morning America) is its accessibility. Sold at a variety of online stores, including craft depot Etsy, Botanicalls embodies physical computing’s organic foray into the mainstream marketplace.

Not too mainstream, though. We’re pretty sure that craft hackers will always stay one step ahead of the Sharper Image. Just check out Kickabee, another stroke of basement-bred ingenuity that posts Twitters whenever a baby kicks in the womb. Now this sort of creative technology is in the hands of everyday people, and their curiosity is the new mother of invention.