Claptrap's development started from a random sketch in a low-level assignment made by the JIRA project-management software system.

Inspired loosely on Pixar's Wall-E, and originally named "zippy," Art Director Brian Martel fell in love with the look and further developed his final conceptual design with Wood and 3D modeler Brent Hollon.

[10] He makes a further appearance in Borderlands 2 as well as the DLCs including Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt,[11] Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,[12] and Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary.

[20] In non-Borderlands media, he has appeared in Fortnite as a purchasable pet and as part of a quest[21] and makes an easter egg cameo in the video game Torchlight II[22] and the film Ready Player One.

[24] Joshua Derocher of Destructoid noted that because Claptrap vocalizes his thoughts and acts on impulse, he makes for a terrible poker player.

[25] A variety of merchandise has been made of Claptrap, portraying him as a talking car charger,[26] Funko Pops,[27] geek-themed controller holders,[28] and a deluxe figure from McFarlane Toys,[29] which Michael McWhertor of Kotaku praised for its detail.

[31] Alyse Stanley of Rock Paper Shotgun described him as an annoying but beloved character,[32] and Tom Sykes of PC Gamer acknowledged this divide in reception by referring to him as a "beloved/behated mascot".

Shaun Prescott stated that "Claptrap is more annoying than virtually every other character and dialogue line in every single Borderlands game."

[40] In 2013, Claptrap appearance in Borderlands 2 was a nomination on The Fannies, an annual award broadcast on Teletoon at Night, for "Best Dramatic Performance by a Robot".