News Japanese firm demos tech that makes any object a capacitive touch surface — stuffed cat on display, works with wood, ceramic, and plasterboard, too

A capacitive sensor often actually detects the proximity of a finger. The distinction is mostly a question of calibrating the sensor to just the right distance. And then apply algorithms for palm rejection.
 
A capacitive sensor often actually detects the proximity of a finger. The distinction is mostly a question of calibrating the sensor to just the right distance. And then apply algorithms for palm rejection.
Yes capacitive sensor is not new, but they are electronic devices which emits a magnetic field and detect when the field pertubed, it can also detect the type of material.
This technology tranform materials like a plant into a capacitive sensor, if it's not limited to very conductive materials then this is new and will most likely find some applications in luxury items.
 
OMG
People will start making Youtube videos of people touching things and freaking out when it yells at them.

You can freak your friend out by making your toilet respond to him taking a dump with "OMG you expect me to swallow that?!?"