Applause Machine

$780 ~~$1200~~ In stock

Activate the Variable Applause Machine to enjoy an enthusiastic clapping of hands. However, if you twist the dial to reduce the speed, the applause changes from encouraging to sarcastic. According to designer Martin Smith, the automata was created “for when your ideas are great but no one else agrees.” The new variable speed settings allow the colored wooden hands to express a range of emotions from excitement, to approval, to snark.

Standing about 18" high, this kinetic sculpture is crafted from steel, brass, and wood. The motor runs off a 9-volt battery (not included). Each numbered piece is manufactured by Martin Smith Studios in the UK.

Customer Reviews (4.8 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Timothy ★★★★★ Sep 8, 2026

The variable speed dial is the best part—crank it down and the clapping turns from genuine enthusiasm to pure passive-aggression, which is way funnier than I expected. My coworkers now request a slow clap whenever someone finishes a meeting late.

Lucy ★★★★★ Sep 2, 2026

The twist dial is pure genius—crank it down mid-applause and the mood flips to sarcastic so fast I nearly choked on my coffee. Even the encouraging setting feels oddly personal, like a tiny crowd that genuinely cares about my stapler victories. Best impulse buy I’ve made all year.

Eli Q. ★★★★★ Sep 1, 2026

I stuck it on my desk for a laugh, and honestly, the slow sarcastic clap is way funnier than it has any right to be—perfect for judging my coworkers' ideas.