What are Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)?
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Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a method for understanding the technical maturity of a technology during its acquisition phase. TRLs allow engineers to have a consistent datum of reference for understanding technology evolution, regardless of their technical background. TRLs are designated through a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA), which examines a programme's concepts, technology requirements, and technology capabilities.
Originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for space exploration technologies, TRLs assess the maturity level of a technology throughout its research, development and deployment phase progression. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the most mature technology.
Many organisations have implemented TRLs for their own purposes, with certain organisations, such as the European Union (EU), further normalising the NASA readiness-level definitions, allowing for easier translation to multiple industry sectors – not just space exploration.
The EU defines the nine levels as follows:
TRL Examples
| TRL | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic principles observed | Scientific observations made and reported. Examples could include paper-based studies of a technology’s basic properties. |
| 2 | Technology concept formulated | Envisioned applications are speculative at this stage. Examples are often limited to analytical studies. |
| 3 | Experimental proof of concept | Effective research and development initiated. Examples include studies and laboratory measurements to validate analytical predictions. |
| 4 | Technology validated in lab | Technology validated through designed investigation. Examples might include analysis of the technology parameter operating range. The results provide evidence that envisioned application performance requirements might be attainable. |
| 5 | Technology validated in relevant environment | Reliability of technology significantly increases. Examples could involve validation of a semi-integrated system/model of technological and supporting elements in a simulated environment. |
| 6 | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment | Prototype system verified. Examples might include a prototype system/model being produced and demonstrated in a simulated environment. |
| 7 | System model or prototype demonstration in operational environment | A major step increase in technological maturity. Examples could include a prototype model/system being verified in an operational environment. |
| 8 | System complete and qualified | System/model produced and qualified. An example might include the knowledge generated from TRL 7 being used to manufacture an actual system/model, which is subsequently qualified in an operational environment. In most cases, this TRL represents the end of development. |
| 9 | Actual system proven in operational environment | System/model proven and ready for full commercial deployment. An example includes the actual system/model being successfully deployed for multiple missions by end users. |
Systematic addressing of TRLs is required, allowing a technology to evolve from conception through to research, development and deployment. Universities, along with government funding sources, focus on TRLs 1-4, while the private sector focuses on TRLs 7-9.
Source: twi-global