Summary of Key Points
Midjourney has launched its first AI hardware product: the Underwater Full-Body Ultrasound Scanner, which can generate 3D images of the body’s interior in just 60 seconds. However, it is not a traditional medical device but is positioned as a “body awareness platform.” It aims to help people understand internal data such as muscle mass, fat distribution, and organ health in the same way they track steps and sleep patterns, thereby ushering in a new era of “quantified self-awareness” through 3D visualization. Midjourney plans to distribute the Scanner in spas rather than hospitals, aiming to reduce the perceived coldness of medical settings and make the scanning process as natural as taking a bath. This move reflects founder Holz’s philosophy of focusing on human needs and aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley where AI hardware is evolving from specialized tools to everyday companions.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Scanner is not a diagnostic tool, but a map of your body’s interior
The primary function of the Scanner is to quickly create 3D images of the body’s internal structures. It differs significantly from medical ultrasound devices, which are used for diagnosing diseases (such as detecting tumors). Instead, the Scanner is designed to help you become more aware of your own body—for example, knowing whether your muscle mass is sufficient, where fat is stored, and how well your organs are functioning. To put it simply, an Apple Watch measures heart rate not for medical diagnosis but to help you manage your health; the Scanner extends this level of awareness from the “outside” (steps, sleep) to the “inside” of your body, providing a real-time overview of its internal workings.
2. Distributed in spas to make checking a regular habit
Midjourney has chosen to place the Scanner in spas rather than hospitals, which is a telling decision. Hospitals are often associated with illness and stress, while spas symbolize relaxation and daily wellness. Holz’s vision is to make body scanning as effortless as a spa treatment, something you can do regularly—perhaps weekly or even daily. This might sound unconventional, but think of the Apple Watch: when it first appeared in 2014, no one thought daily heart rate monitoring would be useful, yet now it has become a common habit. Holz believes that in the future, data about your body’s internal conditions (like muscle mass) will be as routine as tracking steps today. Knowing that you might be experiencing fatigue due to decreased muscle mass could motivate you to adjust your exercise routine accordingly.
3. The evolution of “quantified self-awareness”
“Quantified self-awareness” is a popular concept in Silicon Valley, which involves using devices to track physical data (such as step counts and sleep patterns) to improve lifestyle choices. Previously, this focused on external aspects (how many steps you took, how long you slept). The Scanner takes this approach to the next level by providing insights into more internal aspects of your body—whether you have enough muscle, where fat is distributed, and whether there are any changes in organ health. It’s like upgrading from viewing a photo of yourself to seeing a 3D model of your body, allowing for more precise adjustments: if you need more muscle, you can work out harder; if you have excess fat, you can adjust your diet. This represents a true optimization of your body as a “machine.”
4. Holz’s philosophy: to empower you, not replace doctors
Many mistakenly think Midjourney is entering the medical field to replace doctors, but Holz makes it clear that the Scanner’s purpose is not to do so. Medical devices address health issues, while the Scanner helps you gain a better understanding of your own body. For instance, if you notice a decline in muscle mass, you can take proactive steps to exercise rather than waiting until you become sick and then go to the hospital. Holz emphasizes “self-awareness” and a healthy lifestyle, which are more in line with the goals of an Apple Watch than those of a medical device. The project is driven by people’s real needs to understand their bodies better, not by the desire to showcase AI technology.
5. A new trend in Silicon Valley’s AI hardware: from specialized tools to everyday companions
In the past, AI hardware in Silicon Valley was often limited to specialized applications (such as medical equipment used in hospitals). However, there is now a shift towards making technology more accessible and integrated into daily life. Devices like the Apple Watch and Midjourney’s Scanner aim to become companions that help you manage your health. The competitive focus has also shifted: it’s no longer about whose technology is more complex, but about which products are easier for users to use. For example, by placing the Scanner in spas, Midjourney aims to lower the psychological barrier to using such technology, making internal body scans a natural part of daily life. This indicates that AI startups in Silicon Valley are moving from a technology-driven approach to a user experience-oriented one.
In conclusion
Midjourney’s Scanner is not a medical device; it is a tool that helps you gain a better understanding of your body’s interior. It marks the beginning of a new era of health management where knowing your muscle mass and daily activity levels becomes as common as checking your step count.