Step into Midjourney's spa for a body scan

2026-06-19 · Source: The Rundown AI · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Midjourney, previously known for AI image generation, has unveiled a significant pivot into medical hardware with the Midjourney Scanner. This device uses underwater ultrasonic sensors to perform a full-body scan in just 60 seconds, aiming to rival MRI detail in a fraction of the time. Developed in collaboration with ultrasound-chip maker Butterfly Network, the company plans to integrate these scanners into dedicated "Midjourney Spas," with the first location scheduled to open in 2027 in San Francisco's Union Square. These spas will combine around 10 scanners with wellness amenities like saunas and cold plunges. Additionally, OpenAI has hired Noam Shazeer, a co-author of the foundational 2017 transformer paper and former Google Gemini co-lead, signaling continued intense talent competition in the AI sector.

Key takeaway

For AI Engineers and Directors of AI/ML evaluating strategic pivots or talent acquisition, Midjourney's move into medical hardware highlights the potential for AI to disrupt established industries beyond its core domain. Consider how your organization's core AI capabilities could translate into unexpected, high-value applications. Additionally, the ongoing high-profile talent shifts, like OpenAI's hiring of Noam Shazeer, underscore the critical need to invest in retaining top AI research and engineering talent.

Key insights

AI companies are expanding into diverse, unexpected sectors like medical diagnostics and wellness.

Principles

• Early data collection enhances future AI medical utility.
• Talent acquisition remains critical for AI leadership.

Method

Automate meeting preparation using Google Workspace Studio by triggering Gemini to create briefs and block prep time before calls.

In practice

• Collect personal health data for future AI medical analysis.
• Use Google Workspace Studio for automated meeting prep.

Topics

• Midjourney Scanner
• Medical Hardware
• AI Diagnostics
• Ultrasonic Imaging
• AI Talent Acquisition
• Google Gemini
• Google Workspace Studio

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, AI Scientist, General Interest, AI Engineer, Director of AI/ML

Related on AIssential

• Midjourney goes from generating cat images to full-body ultrasound scans — Midjourney is diversifying into medical hardware with an ultrasound full-body scanner aiming for MRI-level detail and preventative health monitoring.
• AI Startup Midjourney Pivots to Health With Ultrasound Machine — Midjourney, known for generative AI art, is pivoting into healthcare with an ultrasound machine.
• [AINews] Midjourney Medical: scan your organs like you step on a scale — Midjourney is pioneering a full-body ultrasonic CT system for accessible, frequent personal health monitoring.
• Midjourney enters medical hardware with ultrasonic body scanner — Midjourney is pivoting into medical hardware with a fast, full-body ultrasonic scanner for preventative health.
• Loyalty Is Dead in Silicon Valley — Major tech firms are increasingly acquiring entire AI teams and leadership through "acqui-hires."
• Preliminary Thoughts On The Midjourney Scanner — Midjourney's new ultrasound tomography scanner faces significant medical limitations and regulatory hurdles for broad diagnostic use.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Rundown AI.