Midjourney's release of a behind-the-scenes video showcasing its futuristic medical scanner has raised questions about its efficacy, despite the company's grand claims.
Inside the Midjourney Scanner
The AI startup, known for its image generation capabilities, unveiled details of its dunk-tank ultrasound scanner, aimed at spas, promising affordable, detailed, and radiation-free imaging. Tech YouTuber and company engineer Marcin Plaza provided the nearly 20-minute walkthrough.
Plaza described the device as a collection of ultrasound probes integrated into a hot tub-like structure, controlled by standard computers and Raspberry Pis. Despite showing the hardware and build team, the video skirted around key physics and imaging concerns raised by experts.
Expert Skepticism
Experts expressed doubts to The Verge about Midjourney's ability to surpass ultrasound's longstanding limitations or deliver the detailed imaging at the speed and scale promised. The scanner is marketed as a wellness product focusing on body composition, avoiding the regulatory hurdles of a diagnostic device.
Head of medical Tom Calloway emphasized this approach, aiming to expedite its market entry. Yet, the video continues to evoke medical themes, questioning potential uses for regular scans by healthcare professionals.
Lack of Clarity
Calloway appeared unconcerned about addressing the confusion, stating, “I don’t think there’s anything to really clarify,” and assured ongoing updates through blogs. CEO David Holz highlighted the company's independence from investors as a liberating factor, asserting, “No one can tell me not to do it.”
Midjourney's strategy to launch as a wellness product may bypass some regulatory scrutiny, but the absence of demonstrated technical breakthroughs leaves experts and potential users with reservations.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/961265/midjourney-medical-ultrasound-scanner-behind-the-scenes-video
