Using Technology Readiness Level to Evaluate New Technology Risks

This week, Ricardo discusses TRL, or the Technology Readiness Level, a method developed by NASA in the 1970s to ensure the reliability and safety of the technology they used in their projects.

In terms of safety, the higher the TRL number, the more developed the technology is.

All the things that come at the outset of studying a new technology—empirical research, a scientific concept, an article, an idea, etc.—are related to the first 3 stages.

In stages 4, 5, and 6, you work to develop and invest in the new technology, validate it in the lab, and develop prototypes. Risks associated with using this technology, which was once restricted to the scope of research and extremely high to use, have now become real and high.

In stages 7, 8, and 9, the prototype is shown off in a working setting. The organization owns both the necessary licenses and a fully functional and certified system. Reaching stage 9 means that the technology is fully developed and ready for widespread use.

Today, TRL is an international standard and a useful tool for integrating new technologies into projects.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Watch the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwdx7UFHWP0&t=2s