Platform WatchJune 23, 2026via The Verge AI
Something’s off with Midjourney’s pivot to body scanners
Why it matters
A major AI company is shipping into healthcare with an unproven ultrasound technology, betting it can compete with MRI. The move signals how far AI startups will stretch beyond their core competency—and how much skepticism they'll face when they do.
Key signals
- Midjourney announced futuristic ultrasound scanner using water immersion
- CEO David Holz claims system could eventually rival MRI performance
- Medical imaging specialists express skepticism about lack of public evidence
- Product positioning: marketed as accessible alternative to traditional medical imaging
- Company best known for image generation entering regulated medical device space
The hook
Midjourney just pivoted from AI art to medical imaging. Experts say the evidence doesn't add up.
A scan of an imaging phantom, segmented to validate how cleanly structures separate under controlled conditions. | Image: Midjourney Medical
Last week, Midjourney, an AI startup best known for its image generator, made an unusual pivot: medical imaging.
The company announced a futuristic ultrasound scanner that would dunk users into a vat of water and, hopefully, produce "something as powerful as MRI" yet "as casual as a trip to the spa." Midjourney says the goal is to help people live longer, better, and healthier lives. CEO David Holz has suggested the system could one day be better than MRI. Experts are skeptical. While several medical imaging specialists told The Verge they were not dismissive of the idea outright, they said Midjourney has shown little public evidence to su …
Read the full story at The Verge.