Midjourney, a company known for its AI image generation, has announced a new division, Midjourney Medical, which is developing a full-body ultrasound scanner. This novel system uses water and sound waves to create body composition maps in approximately 60 seconds, a process that avoids radiation and the powerful magnets associated with MRI machines.
The technology, described as "Ultrasonic CT," involves a user standing on a platform that is slowly lowered into a shallow pool. As the platform descends, a ring of ultrasound sensors sends sound waves through the body from multiple angles. These sensors, acting as both emitters and receivers, capture how the waves change as they pass through different tissues. Powerful computers then process this data to construct a 3D map of internal body structures, focusing initially on body composition, including muscle and fat.
Midjourney envisions this scanner as part of a more spa-like experience, contrasting with traditional medical imaging environments. The company plans to open its first "Midjourney Spa" in San Francisco by the end of 2027, offering amenities like hot tubs and saunas alongside the scanning service. This approach aims to make regular body scanning more convenient and less intimidating, potentially allowing individuals to track changes over time similar to how they monitor daily activity or sleep patterns.
While Midjourney suggests its scanner could produce images comparable to MRI scans, it is currently intended for wellness and body composition assessments. Medical diagnostic uses would require regulatory clearance from bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Experts caution that while the technology is intriguing, it needs rigorous clinical data and FDA approval to be considered a reliable tool for medical diagnosis. Potential concerns include the risk of false positives or the possibility of missing critical findings, which could lead to unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance.
Further developments to watch include the collection of clinical data, the FDA clearance process for expanded capabilities, and the user experience at the first Midjourney Spa. The company states it operates without investors and is supported by its community, allowing it to pursue unconventional research ideas. Privacy of the deeply personal data collected by full-body scans is also highlighted as a crucial consideration before widespread adoption.