What is Technology Readiness Level? Technology Readiness Level is a method of estimating the technology maturity. In short, it is called the TRL which also resembles the same. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9. Once a technology has level 9 in the TRL scale, it means that technology is the most matured one. Naturally, the maturation of the technology considered to be low as the TRL scale value is small. Technology Readiness Level was created by NASA in the 70s to provide a uniform assessing measure to different types of technology.
Technology Readiness Levels by NASA
There are different definitions for the Technology Readiness Levels. However, all of them aims the same meaning but in different ways. One of the most reputed and widely used definitions of the TRL are from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). We listed them below alongside the description to each level to let you know deeply about it. So, here goes the Technology Readiness Levels.
| Technology Readiness Level | Description of the TRL |
|---|---|
| TRL 1 – Basic principles observed and reported (lowest level of technology maturation) | The lowest level of technology maturation where the things like scientific research begin to be translated into the future research and development procedures. |
| TRL 2 – Technology concept and/or application formulated (application is still speculative) | The TRL 2 occurs when the basic physical principles are observed, and the practical applications of those characteristics can be applied to the findings in the initial procedure. At the TRL 2, the application is still speculative because there is no experimental proof to support the findings. |
| TRL 3 – Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept | This is where the active research and development/design (R&D) is initiated. At TRL 3, the validation of the analytical studies and experiments in the TRL 2 happens. These studies and experiments should constitute “proof-of-concept” validation of the concepts or application formulated at the TRL 2. |
| TRL 4 – Component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment (proof-of-concept) | Once the “proof-of-concept” work is successful, multiple pieces of components and tested one another. |
| TRL 5 – Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment | This is the continuation of the TRL 4 but the number of pieces tested one another will be increased significantly. A technology that is at TRL 5 is identified as a breadboard technology which should undergo extreme testing procedures when compared to the TRL 4. Apart from that, the simulations should be run in environments that are as close to the realistic environment as possible. |
| TRL 6 – System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (any of the ground or space) | After the TRL 5, the TRL 6 is the next level. TRL 6 technology has a fully functional prototype or representational model. Here, if the only ‘relevant environment’ is the environment of space, then the prototype or the model must be demonstrated in space. |
| TRL 7 – System prototype demonstration in a space environment (a working prototype is needed) | The technology in TRL 7 requires that the working prototype or model be demonstrated in a space environment. In other words, it requires an actual system prototype/model demonstration in a space environment. |
| TRL 8 – Actual system completed and ‘flight qualified’ through test and demonstration (any of the ground or space) | TRL 8 is the end of the system development in almost of the cases. Here is where the procedures like the integration of new technology into an existing system occur. A TRL 8 passed technology can be called a “flight qualified” technology. |
| TRL 9 – Actual system ‘flight proven’ through a successful mission (highest level of technology maturation) | TRL 9 is the last level where the “bug fixing” procedures take place. Here too, the integration of new technology into an existing system occurs. One thing to note is that the TRL 9 does not include planned product improvements of reusable or ongoing systems. In simple words, once a technology has been “flight proven” during a successful mission, it can be considered as the TRL 9. |
TRL Assessment Tools
Assessing the TRL was important in various situations. So, the United States Air Force developed a technology readiness level calculator. This assessment tool will provide a snapshot of technology maturity at a given point of time. It is basically and Excel file which is a set of questions which leads to a graphical representation of the TRLs achieved. Technology readiness assessment became way easier using this tool. There is no need of an extra technology readiness level software in order to calculate the TRL in the development of the modern technology gadgets.
Advantages of Technology Readiness Level
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages for the TRLs. Here are some of the advantages.
- Risk management made easier
- Provides a common understanding of technology status
- Can be used to make decisions concerning technology funding
- Can be used to make decisions concerning transition of technologies over time
Disadvantages of Technology Readiness Level
Like any other thing, the TRLs also has few disadvantages. Here are they.
- A mature product may possess a lesser or greater degree of readiness for use in a particular system context than one of lower maturity. This makes a little confusion.
- Numerous factors including the relevance of the product’s operational environment to the system at hand, well as the product-system architectural mismatch, etc. must be considered
- Readiness does not necessarily fit with the technology maturity
As you can see, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is extremely useful in the technology development. It because a crucial factor for increasing the productivity by making it easier to assess the modern technologies. Almost all important tech industries make use of the TRLs in their operations.
If you don’t know, the Technology Readiness Levels were originally conceived at NASA in 1974. Then, formally defined in 1989. Since then, different industries or organizations such as Oil & Gas Industries, European Commission, European Space Agency (ESA), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) defined the term in their own ways. They are suitable for specific tech streams in their on paths.
So, now you know what is TRL (Technology Readiness Level) and its definition.