Tap the Trap was part of an actuator exercise exploring how pneumatics can create lifelike motion. Each trap is made from double-sided TPU fused with fabric, forming sealed inflatable chambers with controlled airflow. Triangular folds guide collapse, while conductive fabric acts as a capacitive sensor. Touch triggers the air pump and valves, snapping the trap shut. Baking paper ensures precision during heat-sealing, and wires connect the traps to the pneumatic system for continuous feedback.
The project draws inspiration from the Venus flytrap, a plant caught between stillness and sudden motion. Its unique reactivity, closing only when touched, served as a lens to explore pneumatics. Inflating and deflating chambers mimic breathing, giving the trap an illusion of life. Tap the Trap emphasizes the tension between curiosity and caution, showing how soft robotics can heighten natural metaphors of interaction.
Interactive Play
In its default state, the trap is inflated and open. When a finger touches the sensor, it snaps shut, creating a surprising yet playful experience. Users are invited to probe, test, and engage, experiencing the responsive, almost lifelike motion of the trap.
Tap the Trap combines fabrication, sensing, and pneumatics to create an interactive object that blends tactile play with mechanical responsiveness.
