Technology readiness level

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Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a method for estimating the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program. It was developed by NASA in the 1970s and has since been adopted by various organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the United States Department of Defense (DoD), and the European Commission (EC) for research and development projects.

Overview

The TRL scale ranges from 1 to 9, with each level representing a different stage of technology development. The scale is used to assess the progress of a technology from initial concept through to deployment and operational use.

TRL Levels

• TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported

* This is the lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.

• TRL 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated

* Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative, and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions.

• TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept

* Active research and development (R&D) is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.

• TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment

* Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively “low fidelity” compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in a laboratory.

• TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment

* Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment.

• TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment

* Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond the breadboard tested for TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. This represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness.

• TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment

* Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment, such as in an aircraft, vehicle, or space.

• TRL 8: Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration

* Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development.

• TRL 9: Actual system proven through successful mission operations

* Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.

Applications

TRLs are used in various fields, including aerospace, defense, biotechnology, and information technology. They help organizations manage the development of new technologies and make informed decisions about investments and project management.

Benefits

• Risk Management: TRLs provide a clear framework for assessing the maturity of a technology, which helps in identifying and mitigating risks.
• Communication: They offer a common language for discussing technology development across different sectors and disciplines.
• Decision Making: TRLs support decision-making processes by providing a structured approach to evaluating the readiness of a technology for deployment.

Criticisms

While TRLs are widely used, they have been criticized for being too linear and not accounting for the complexities and iterative nature of technology development. Some argue that they do not adequately address the integration of new technologies into existing systems or the socio-economic factors that can influence technology adoption.

See Also

• Technology lifecycle
• Innovation management
• Research and development
• Project management
• Systems engineering