Midjourney Medical goes from generating ‘cat images’ to full-body ultrasound scans

Midjourney CEO David Holz unveiled the company's first hardware product, The Midjourney Scanner, on May 28, 2024, marking a significant departure from its AI image generation services. This new device is a full-body ultrasound scanner designed to create detailed 3D models of the human body. Holz stated that the scanner utilizes a ring of sensors to capture vertical slices of the body, which are then processed by Midjourney's AI to reconstruct a comprehensive anatomical representation. The company plans to integrate this technology into a new San Francisco spa, a venture Holz acknowledged is a notable shift from their previous focus on generating "cat pictures."

Holz elaborated that the development of The Midjourney Scanner was a multi-year project, with the company investing heavily in the underlying technology. He indicated that the scanner's capabilities extend beyond simple imaging, aiming to provide a more holistic view of a person's physical state. The intention is to offer a non-invasive method for detailed body scanning, potentially for health monitoring or personalized wellness applications. The spa concept suggests a direct-to-consumer application of this advanced imaging technology.

While the exact technical specifications and pricing for The Midjourney Scanner were not fully detailed, Holz emphasized the AI's role in interpreting the ultrasound data. The company's expertise in generative AI is being leveraged to translate raw sensor data into interpretable 3D models. This move into hardware and healthcare services represents a strategic diversification for Midjourney, moving beyond its established reputation in the AI art generation space. The announcement was made during a presentation where Holz showcased the device's capabilities, highlighting its potential impact on personal health and wellness.