Something’s off with Midjourney’s pivot to body scanners

2026-06-23 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Medical Devices & Health Technology · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

Midjourney, an AI startup known for its image generator, recently announced a pivot into medical imaging with a futuristic ultrasound scanner. The company proposes a system, dubbed "Midjourney Medical," that submerges users in a water vat for a 60-second scan, aiming to produce images "as powerful as MRI" but "as casual as a trip to the spa." Midjourney states this technology utilizes AI and specialized chips for massive data processing and lossless compression. While the announcement garnered significant enthusiasm from Silicon Valley, medical imaging experts express skepticism due to a lack of public evidence supporting claims of MRI-equivalent fidelity or clinical utility. The company plans to initially market the scanner as a "wellness product" for "detailed body composition maps," bypassing immediate FDA diagnostic device clearance, with aspirations for medical expansion by 2028 and 50,000 scanners worldwide by 2031. Experts highlight concerns regarding image resolution, comparison to established modalities like MRI and CT, and practical challenges such as water purity and sound wave limitations, particularly for diverse body types.

Key takeaway

For executives evaluating disruptive health technologies or tech journalists covering AI startups, you should critically assess claims of "MRI-level" performance, particularly when scientific validation is absent. Be cautious of "wellness product" framing that sidesteps regulatory scrutiny, as unproven technologies risk misleading consumers and potentially replacing established, effective medical screening methods. Prioritize solutions with transparent evidence and clear clinical benefit to avoid ethical pitfalls and ensure patient safety.

Key insights

Midjourney's water-vat ultrasound scanner for "wellness" faces expert skepticism due to unproven claims and technical hurdles.

Principles

• Novel medical imaging concepts require rigorous validation.
• Ultrasound technology has inherent physical limitations.
• "Wellness product" framing can bypass strict medical device regulations.

Method

The proposed scanner submerges users in water, using a ring of underwater sensors to send sound waves and capture echoes for internal imaging within 60 seconds. AI and specialized chips handle data processing and compression.

In practice

• Consider inherent physical limits of imaging modalities.
• Distinguish "wellness" claims from diagnostic medical claims.

Topics

• Midjourney
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology
• AI in Healthcare
• Wellness Products
• FDA Regulation

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Tech Journalist, Executive, AI Ethicist

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