TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL(TRL)
1. Background
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a method for understanding the technical maturity of technology during its acquisition phase.
- TRLs allow engineers to have a consistent datum of reference for understanding technology evolution, regardless of their technical background.
- Each technology project is evaluated against the parameters for each technology level and is then assigned a TRL rating based on the project's progress. There are nine technology readiness levels.
- TRL 1 is the lowest and TRL 9 is the highest.
2. What do TRL measures
- Originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for space exploration technologies, TRLs measure the maturity level of 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 organizations have implemented TRLs for their purposes, with certain organizations, such as the European Union (EU), further normalizing the NASA readiness-level definitions, allowing for easier translation to multiple industry sectors – not just space exploration.
2. Various levels of Technology readiness level
|
TRL |
Description |
Example |
|
1 |
Basic principles observed scientific |
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 |
Effective research and development initiated. Examples include studies and laboratory measurements to validate analytical predictions. |
|
4 |
Technology validated in lab technology |
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 |
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 |
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 an 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 |
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 |
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. |
