Technology Readiness Level

TRL - methodology for determining technology readiness level (Technology Readiness Level)

TRL 1. The fundamental concept of the technology and the justification of its usefulness are formulated.

The initial level of maturity of the technology. Scientific research is beginning to turn into applied research. The idea was formulated, the basic principles were observed and documented. The analysis of existing solutions on the market is carried out, the need for a new product is determined, a promising technological/algorithmic/architectural solution is formulated. An expert analysis of the proposed solution was carried out: value, convenience, feasibility, profitability, demand, business security, usefulness for the development of the technological base of the contractor.

TRL 2. The target areas of application of the technology and its critical elements are determined.

The concept of the technology/product and/or its application are formulated. A technical proposal has been formulated, and practical use can be proposed. An analytical review conducted as part of a patent study showed the feasibility and absence of similar solutions. A preliminary technical specification has been formulated, the architecture (description of the main components and their connections) of the product has been defined: a solution platform, components, communication and interaction between them, product modeling has been carried out, a preliminary design has been developed. A preliminary patent analysis, an analysis of industrial and technological risks was carried out

TRL 3. A mock-up sample was obtained and its key characteristics were demonstrated.

Own research has been carried out: a simplified laboratory sample (mock-up) has been made, a testing methodology has been developed, analytical predictions of key characteristics have been confirmed on physical/virtual experience, and the concept has been confirmed. The list of characteristics and the sample (a set of characteristics and functions of a mock-up sample for testing) are not representative yet, do not include secondary characteristics and verification of interaction with an external system/environment. Proposals on the strategy of intellectual property protection have been developed

TRL 4. A laboratory sample was obtained, a laboratory stand was prepared, basic communication functions with other elements of the system were tested.

The laboratory sample (model) is made on laboratory equipment. The main technological components are integrated in order to establish that the individual components will work in a single model. Testing was carried out in an extended range of parameters, the main characteristics of communication with other elements of the system were checked. Based on the test results, a comparative analysis of this simplified model with the final image of the system was carried out. The customer accepted/approved the test results. An intellectual property protection strategy has been developed

TRL 5. An experimental sample was made on a real scale using semi-industrial technology and tested, emulation of the main external conditions was carried out.

The accuracy/degree of completeness of the technology at the layout level increases significantly. An experimental sample was made on a real scale using semi-industrial technology, the main technological components were integrated, tests of an expanded set of functions were carried out in a laboratory environment with modeling of the main external conditions and interaction with other products, the results are consistent with the terms of reference. The advantages, intellectual property protection strategy, risk reduction plan, critical factors have been clarified

TRL 6. A fully functional sample was made on a pilot production line, performance characteristics were confirmed in conditions close to reality.

Demonstration in conditions corresponding to reality. A representative fully functional sample is made on a prototype production line and tested in the laboratory under conditions that reproduce reality with high accuracy. At this level, technological risks are removed. Patent applications have been filed

TRL 7. The prototype of the system is demonstrated as part of the system in real operating conditions.

The prototype is manufactured on a real scale on a pilot production line. Its demonstration was carried out in real operating conditions

TRL 8. Final confirmation of the working capacity of the sample. Development. a functioning real system is completed.

A fully functional sample (a real functioning system) is manufactured on the production line. A complete testing of the final version of the sample as part of the system was carried out under the expected conditions of real operation. As a rule, this level of technology readiness represents the end of the product development process, the removal of production risks. Minor defects are possible, testing is carried out to eliminate them. The product is produced in small batches

TRL 9. The product meets all the requirements: engineering, production, operational, quality and reliability. Modification is possible to reduce the cost, development and evolution of the system The functioning real system is confirmed in the course of real operation through the successful completion of test tasks.

Actual/actual use of the product in its final form and under conditions of performing real tasks corresponding to operational tests and evaluation. As a rule, this level completes the process of correcting defects in a really functioning product. The product is mass-produced.