Midjourney, the AI image generation company, has unveiled a full-body ultrasound scanner developed in partnership with Butterfly Network. The system uses sensors in a water tank to emit ultrasound waves, which are then processed by a compute cluster to create a radiation-free 3D body image in about 60 seconds. The technology aims to eventually surpass MRI without radiation or magnets. According to CEO David Holz, the scanner will start with body composition maps that do not require FDA approval. The company plans to submit test results to the agency on a rolling basis to eventually gain clearance for diagnostic imaging. The system uses half a million tiny elements, each about the size of a fine grain of sand, acting as both speaker and microphone. These elements send out sound waves and measure how they change as they pass through different body tissues. The process is described as 'stepping into a shallow pool of golden light,' with the body sinking through a ring of underwater sensors that emit ultrasound waves, working 'like a dolphin, using its echolocation.'

Midjourney aims to deploy more than 50,000 scanners globally by 2031, capable of one billion scans per month. A third-generation scanner is slated for 2028, which the company says will represent a 'night-and-day' improvement in image quality and scan times. Holz claims that with enough early imaging, the world could avoid '30% of all deaths and 50% of all healthcare costs.' However, the company is currently focused on 'body composition maps' that do not require FDA approval. The first spa, designed to house the scanner, is expected to open by the end of 2027.

The move marks Midjourney's attempt to enter the growing market for AI-powered health tools. Whether this initiative is a realistic advancement or a speculative venture remains to be seen. The company's ambitions are significant, with plans to expand its scanner fleet and improve imaging capabilities over time. The first scans have been conducted on about a dozen people, according to Holz. The technology represents a major shift for Midjourney, moving beyond AI image generation into the realm of medical imaging and health services.

Source: thedecoder