Revolutionary 60-Second Body Scanner: AI-Powered Tech to Perform 1 Billion Scans Monthly

Midjourney’s new full-body scanner, set to process up to one billion scans monthly, raises privacy concerns as the AI firm expands into biometric imaging—with trials already underway in luxury spas worldwide.

Midjourney, best known for its AI-generated images, has announced plans to deploy a full-body scanning system in partnership with Butterfly Network, a medical imaging startup. The technology, described by Midjourney as “comparable to an MRI” but using ultrasound and AI, can capture a 3D scan of a human body in under 60 seconds. According to internal documents reviewed by Numerama and Frandroid, the system is already being tested in high-end spas across Europe and the U.S., with commercial rollout expected within months.

Butterfly Network, which went public in June 2024 via a SPAC merger, has seen its stock surge over 30% in pre-market trading following Midjourney’s announcement. The company’s portable ultrasound devices, already used in emergency rooms, will now integrate with Midjourney’s AI to process scans at speeds previously unattainable. “This isn’t just another imaging tool—it’s a leap into real-time, personalized biometric analysis,” said Jonathan Rothberg, Butterfly Network’s CEO, in a statement to Investing.com. Midjourney’s CEO, David Holz, described the partnership as “a natural evolution” for the firm, though critics warn of unanswered questions about data security and consent.

How does the scanner work—and what are the privacy risks?

The system combines Butterfly’s NASA-derived ultrasound tech with Midjourney’s diffusion models to reconstruct 3D images of internal structures, including organs, bones, and soft tissue. Unlike traditional MRI scans, which require patients to lie still for extended periods, the new device promises mobility—ideal for spas, wellness centers, or even home use. Futura reports that the scans will be processed in the cloud, with AI analyzing results for “wellness metrics,” though Midjourly has not disclosed whether the data will be stored indefinitely or shared with third parties.

Privacy advocates are skeptical. “Storing biometric data at this scale is a red flag,” said Catherine Stihler, a digital rights activist, in comments to Numerama. “There’s no clear opt-out mechanism, and the potential for misuse—by insurers, employers, or even governments—is enormous.” Midjourney has not responded to requests for comment on data retention policies, though a spokesperson told PhonAndroid that “all scans will be encrypted and anonymized by default.” Butterfly Network’s SEC filings reveal no mention of biometric data safeguards beyond standard HIPAA compliance.

Why are luxury spas the first testing grounds?

Midjourney’s initial rollout targets high-end wellness retreats, including partnerships with Six Senses and Aman Resorts, where guests can undergo scans as part of “personalized health journeys.” The company frames this as a premium service—$299 per scan—positioning it as a luxury upgrade to traditional check-ups. However, Frandroid notes that the same technology could later be repackaged for corporate wellness programs or telemedicine, blurring the line between consumer choice and mandatory health monitoring.

Butterfly Network’s stock surge reflects investor confidence in the medical applications, but analysts warn of regulatory hurdles. The FDA has not yet approved the system for commercial use outside controlled settings, and the EU’s GDPR may impose stricter rules on biometric data collection. “This is a high-risk, high-reward play,” said Mark Mahaney, a tech analyst at Evercore ISI, in a note to clients. “The biometric market is projected to hit $120 billion by 2030, but the privacy backlash could derail adoption.”

What happens next—and who stands to profit?

Midjourney’s expansion into biometrics follows a pattern of AI firms repurposing existing tech for new markets. Butterfly Network, which raised $300 million in its SPAC merger, stands to benefit from the partnership, with analysts projecting revenue growth of 40% annually if the scanner gains traction. Meanwhile, Midjourney’s parent company, Midjourney Labs, could monetize the data through subscriptions or licensing deals with pharma companies.

For now, the focus remains on spas—but industry insiders suggest the long-term goal is broader adoption. “The spa angle is a Trojan horse,” said Dr. Debra Licciardi, a bioethicist at Stanford, in an interview with Numerama. “Once the tech is normalized in wellness settings, the next step could be workplace screenings or insurance underwriting.” Midjourney has not confirmed timelines for wider deployment, but Butterfly Network’s CEO hinted at “aggressive scaling” in 2025.

The partnership also raises questions about competition. Google’s DeepMind and IBM Watson Health have experimented with similar AI-driven diagnostics, but Midjourney’s approach—leveraging consumer-facing brands—could accelerate adoption. “This isn’t just about imaging; it’s about creating a new data economy around the human body,” said Ben Thompson, founder of Stratechery. “The companies that control this pipeline will have unprecedented influence over health, finance, and even law enforcement.”

With no public timeline for regulatory approval and no clear commitment to user consent, the scanner’s future hinges on two factors: whether the tech delivers on its promises—and whether the public trusts it. For now, the only certainty is that the first billion scans are coming.