big clapper is the $4,500 applauding robot on a mission to cheer up the world

a $4,500 robot dubbed ‘big clapper‘ has been designed as part of an art project to cheer up the world. the bright red robot comprises a comic-like head, complete with features and pair of arms, atop a stand. using the universal language of applause, employing its soft rubber hands to produce a realistic sound of clapping as people walk by.

big clapper utilizes a motion sensor to detect passers by before performing one of its 30 different performances. clapping basic rhythms, clapping on demand, along with music or programmed according to your own dictation, big clapper is designed to delight in various ways. to further ensure it grabs your attention, the robot’s eyes are designed to look as though they are always gazing at you.

images courtesy of big clapper

designed as an art project by japanese designer masato takahashi, who first built a single pair of clapping hands, then two, and then a whole wall before envisioning big clapper. the artist started off using more lifelike hands, before feeling that the transparent-like flesh looked ‘disgusting.’

takahashi debuted some prototypes of the robots at CES this year and has since turned to kickstarter in hopes of raising funds and fulfil the large list of pre-orders he has gathered since 2017. the robot is being marketed as a potential way for retail stores to in attrac customers, provide advertisment and generate excitement.

‘the original impetus for big clapper was the research I was doing as a graduate student‘, explains takahashi. ‘[I was] interested, more than most people, in soft tactile things. I decided I wanted to build entertaining machines and robots that would lift people’s spirits. so I focused on clapping.‘