# 3D Universe Maps The 'Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument' Will Measure Galaxies with Robots By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-11 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-energy-spectroscopic-instrument References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/11/dark-energy-instrument-construction-is-a-go/) & [newscenter.lbl.gov](http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/08/09/3-d-galaxy-mapping-project-enters-construction-phase/) The universe is big, and mapping it is a big project, so the '[Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acme-weather-app)' will enlist the help of [5,000 robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aidriven-robotics-technology). Commissioned by the US Depeartment of Energy, the mapping project is one of the most broad and technologically advanced efforts yet to understand the effects of dark matter on the expansion of the universe. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument is essentially a system for focusing on each and every galaxy in the universe. In order to do so, the system uses 10 "petals" that contain a total of 5,000 fiber optic cables. These cables work like optics equipment, gathering light from different galaxies. To focus precisely and accurately, each cable is controlled by a 10 inch long, finger-width robot that works autonomously. The end result will be a [3D mapping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wybot-s3) of the entire universe. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Robot-assisted Mapping:** The use of robots to map and measure galaxies offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the field of astronomical research. - **Dark Matter Exploration:** The technological advancements in mapping dark matter provide a disruptive innovation opportunity in understanding the expansion of the universe. - **High Precision Fiber Optics:** The development of fiber optic cables controlled by robots presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the telecommunications industry in increasing precision and efficiency. ### Where This Applies - **Astronomy:** The mapping of galaxies with robot assistance presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for advancements in astronomical research and understanding. - **Technological Research:** The exploration of dark matter and the use of advanced instruments like the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument creates a disruptive innovation opportunity in pushing the boundaries of technological research. - **Telecommunications:** The development of high precision fiber optic cables controlled by robots offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for improving data transmission and communication capabilities in the telecommunications industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interactive Universe Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universe-map.md) - [Pizza-Shaped Universe Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universe-map1.md) - [Advanced Telescope Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-telescope-design.md) - [App-Controlled Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evscope-equinox-2.md) - [Automated Micro-Sized Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dwarf-mini.md) - [Automated Algorithm-Powered Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-space-telescope.md) - [Intelligent Connected Telescope Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decouvir-telescope.md) - [4K Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4k-smart-telescopes.md) - [Crystal-Clear Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-telescopes.md)