Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs) provide a systematic framework to assess the maturity and readiness of technology or research projects. As projects progress from basic principles to operational deployment, each TRL presents unique challenges and requires specific best practices.
This blog post will explore the challenges and best practices associated with each TRL, highlighting their significance in advancing technological innovation.
The Technological Readiness Level (TRL) system originated from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the United States. The TRL framework was initially developed in the 1970s by NASA engineer Dr. Norman F. Smith and his team to assess the maturity and readiness of technologies being developed for space missions.
NASA needed a standardized approach to evaluate the progress and readiness of various technologies, particularly those being considered for space exploration. The TRL system provided a consistent and structured method to assess technology readiness, enabling NASA to make informed decisions regarding integrating and deploying new technologies in their missions.
Over time, the TRL system gained recognition beyond NASA and became widely adopted in other sectors, including defense, engineering, and innovation-driven industries. Its practicality and effectiveness in assessing technology maturity and readiness led to its broad acceptance and application in government and private organizations involved in research, development, and innovation.
1. TRL 1: Basic principles observed
Challenge: At this early stage, securing funding, managing limited resources, and dealing with uncertain outcomes can be significant challenges. Conducting scientific research to observe and understand basic principles requires dedication and perseverance.
Best Practices:
- Collaboration with academic institutions: Partnering with universities or research organizations can provide access to expertise, resources, and funding opportunities.
- Literature reviews: Conducting comprehensive examinations of existing research helps identify gaps and build upon existing knowledge.
- Experimental exploration: Performing experiments and simulations to observe and validate fundamental concepts.
2. TRL 2: Technology concept formulated
Challenge: Defining the feasibility of the technology concept and obtaining early-stage funding are key challenges. It is essential to articulate the potential of the concept and secure the necessary resources for further development.
Best Practices:
- Feasibility studies: Conduct thorough analyses and assessments to determine the viability of the technology concept.
- Subject matter expert engagement: Collaborating with experts in the field to gain insights, validate ideas, and refine the technology concept.
- Documentation: Documenting the initial concept, including its intended goals, potential applications, and preliminary requirements.
3. TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function proof
Challenge: Identifying essential functions, overcoming technical risks, and validating the concept's viability are pressing challenges at this stage. It is crucial to demonstrate that the technology can perform the functions it aims to achieve.
Best Practices:
- Analytical modeling: Developing mathematical or computational models to assess and predict the behavior of the technology.
- Laboratory experiments: Conduct controlled experiments to validate critical functions and analyze the feasibility of the technology.
- Risk assessment and mitigation: Identifying technical risks, documenting mitigation strategies, and refining the concept based on analysis and experimentation.
4. TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment
Challenge: Ensuring component compatibility, refining specifications, and transitioning from theoretical concepts to practical implementations pose significant challenges at this stage.
Best Practices:
- Component prototyping: Building and testing prototypes of individual components to assess their functionality and performance.
- Laboratory testing: Conduct rigorous testing in a controlled environment to validate the compatibility and integration of components.
- Iterative refinement: Refining specifications based on test results, feedback, and lessons learned from component testing.
5. TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment
Challenge: Adapting the technology to an appropriate environment, addressing integration challenges, and verifying functionality in realistic conditions present notable challenges.
Best Practices:
- Field testing: Conducting tests in environments that simulate real-world conditions to evaluate component performance and interaction.
- Integration efforts: Ensuring seamless integration of components into the relevant environment to assess system behavior and functionality.
- Feedback collection: Gathering feedback from users and stakeholders to identify improvements and optimize the technology for real-world application.
6. TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment
Challenge: Scaling up the technology, addressing system-level integration issues, and ensuring the reliability and functionality of the prototype are key challenges at this stage.
Best Practices:
- System prototyping: Developing prototypes incorporating multiple subsystems to demonstrate the integrated technology's functionality.
- Comprehensive testing: Conduct extensive testing in a relevant environment to evaluate system performance, usability, and robustness.
- Iterative
TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment
Challenges: Achieving a near-final version of the technology, addressing operational challenges, and validating its performance in a real-world setting.
Best practices: Demonstrating the complete system prototype in an operational environment, conducting extensive testing and evaluation, refining the technology based on results, and addressing any remaining technical or operational hurdles.
These challenges and best practices are not exhaustive, but they provide a general overview of the considerations at each TRL. The specific challenges and best practices for a research project will depend on the nature of the technology being developed, the industry, and the project's unique circumstances.
An example
As an illustration, see the development of an application targeted to support elderly individuals living alone at home and their caregivers across the various Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs):
TRL 1: Basic principles observed
At this stage, researchers may observe basic principles related to elderly care and identify the need for technology-driven solutions. They review existing literature on elderly care, including health monitoring, communication, and safety studies.
TRL 2: Technology concept formulated
Researchers develop the concept of an application that integrates various features to address the needs of elderly individuals and their caregivers. The idea might include health monitoring, medication reminders, emergency assistance, and communication tools.
TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function proof
Researchers analyze the technical feasibility of the application and conduct experiments to validate critical functions. They may develop algorithms for health monitoring, simulate communication modules, and test emergency response mechanisms in controlled environments.
TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment
Components of the application, such as wearable health sensors, communication modules, and user interfaces, are prototyped and tested in a laboratory environment. Researchers assess the compatibility and performance of these components, refining specifications based on test results.
TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment
Researchers move the application prototype to a relevant environment, such as a simulated home environment. They conduct field tests with elderly individuals, monitor health data, evaluate user experience, and collect feedback to improve the application's functionality and usability.
TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment
A comprehensive application prototype is developed, integrating all the subsystems and functionalities. Researchers conduct extensive testing in a relevant environment, simulating real-world scenarios. They assess the application's health monitoring accuracy, emergency response effectiveness, and caregiver communication.
TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment
The application prototype is tested in real-world conditions, with elderly individuals living alone at home and their caregivers using the system. Researchers evaluate the application's effectiveness in supporting the elderly's daily activities, enhancing safety, and providing peace of mind for caregivers. They address any remaining technical or operational challenges to ensure a near-final version of the application.
By progressing through these TRLs, the application evolves from a conceptual idea to a fully functional system that meets the needs of elderly individuals living alone and with their caregivers. Each TRL stage involves specific challenges, such as validating critical functions, integrating components, conducting field tests, and refining the application based on user feedback. This leads to an advanced and reliable technology solution.
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