“AI Image Generator Midjourney Looking to Enter Hardware Space”
One of the leading AI art generators, Midjourney, has announced plans to venture into hardware development. In a recent post, the San Francisco based startup confirmed it is forming a new team focused on building physical devices powered by artificial intelligence.
While specifics are still under wraps, Midjourney CEO David Holz hinted they have “multiple efforts in flight”. The company's background provides clues to where it may be heading – Holz co-founded Leap Motion, known for motion control technology. Earlier this year, Midjourney also hired Ahmad Abbas from Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface startup.
Midjourney made its name developing AI models that can generate images from text prompts at scale. It now looks to apply this capability across new mediums. Joined by others in the AI field, hardware appears the next frontier. OpenAI, creator of language model ChatGPT, recently backed a startup called Opal specializing in AI-integrated cameras and chips. Reports indicate OpenAI also aims to build its own semiconductors.
For Midjourney, moving into hardware diversifies its business beyond just software tools. Whether developing new input devices or platforms leveraging computer vision, the company is well-positioned with expertise in vision and neurotechnology. As AI-fueled innovation spreads to consumer gadgets, Midjourney eyes being at the forefront of shaping how emerging technologies get incorporated into people's daily lives.
