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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

-0001

2009

  • Work on this object began.

2014

2025

  • You found it!

Prototype, Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL) Concept Prototype

This is a prototype. It was designed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and Hunter Defense Technologies and manufactured by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and Hunter Defense Technologies.

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab as part of Beautiful Users.

It is dated 2009. Its medium is 3-d printed rapid prototype material.

The MPL has 26 moving, articulated joints—nearly as many as the human hand. A person with an amputation can control the device from sensors placed against the skin of their remaining limb, which moves when electrical impulses (myoelectricity) from skeletal muscles command it to move. People with paralysis or ALS have been able to control the device using electrodes plugged into the brain.

It is credited Courtesy of JHU Applied Physics Lab.

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  • Coat (France)
  • silk embroidery on silk foundation, silk lining.
  • Gift of Mrs. Edward C. Post.
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Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 3.8 x 10.2 x 20.3 cm (1 1/2 in. x 4 in. x 8 in.)

We have 1 video that features Prototype, Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL) Concept Prototype.

Modular Prosthetic Limb Demo Video

A demonstration showing what the Modular Prosthetic Limb can do: controlled movements, small object manipulation, tool manipulation and clothes pin manipulation.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Beautiful Users.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/51689305/ |title=Prototype, Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL) Concept Prototype |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>