Technology readiness level

NASA TRL Meter

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TPMM transition mech

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a method for estimating the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program, particularly in the field of software development, engineering, and technology management. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest level of technology maturity. This system helps in understanding the risk associated with the technology and its readiness for further development or deployment.

Overview

The concept of Technology Readiness Levels was first introduced by NASA in the 1970s to assess the maturity of evolving technologies before incorporating them into space missions. Since then, it has been adopted and adapted by various government agencies, research institutions, and industries around the world, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the United States Department of Defense (DoD), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.

TRL Scale

The TRL scale consists of nine levels:

• TRL 1 – Basic principles observed and reported
• TRL 2 – Technology concept and/or application formulated
• TRL 3 – Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept
• TRL 4 – Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
• TRL 5 – Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
• TRL 6 – System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment
• TRL 7 – System prototype demonstration in an operational environment
• TRL 8 – Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration
• TRL 9 – Actual system proven through successful mission operations

Each level reflects the progress in the development of a technology, from the initial idea (TRL 1) to its full deployment (TRL 9).

Application

TRLs are used to:

• Assess the maturity of technologies in order to make decisions about funding, development, or deployment.
• Identify technology gaps and areas requiring further research and development.
• Facilitate communication about technology status between different stakeholders.
• Support the management of technology development projects by providing a common understanding of technology status.

Advantages and Limitations

The use of TRLs offers several advantages, including providing a systematic framework for evaluating technology maturity, helping to identify risks and potential challenges early in the development process, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. However, there are also limitations, such as the potential for subjective assessment at certain levels and the need for adaptation in different contexts or industries.

See Also

• Innovation management
• Project management
• Risk management
• Software development process

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