Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a system of measuring the maturity of a technology in its development cycle. The system originated in the US Department of Defense, but it is now widely used across various fields, including AI.
In the context of AI development, TRLs provide a standard measure for assessing the maturity of AI technologies, which can help determine their potential for deployment and commercialization.
The TRL system has nine levels, which measure the degree of development and testing that a technology has undergone.
At each level, specific criteria must be met before the technology can move on to the next level. These levels are as follows:
- Basic principles observed: This is the lowest level of TRL, where the basic principles of a technology have been observed and are theoretically possible.
- Technology concept formulated: In this level, the technology concept is developed, and the basic principles are translated into a design concept.
- Proof of concept: This level is where the technology is demonstrated in a laboratory environment, and its feasibility is established.
- Prototype demonstration: At this level, the technology is demonstrated in a relevant environment, such as a simulated operational environment.
- System/subsystem/component validation in a relevant environment: Here, the technology is tested in a relevant operational environment, and its performance is validated.
- System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment: At this level, a full-scale prototype or model is tested in a relevant operational environment.
- System prototype demonstration in a realistic environment: This level is where the technology is tested in a realistic operational environment, with all the necessary system components integrated.
- System complete and qualified: Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) – At this level, the technology is fully developed, and all necessary tests have been completed.
- Actual system proven through successful mission operations: This is the highest level of TRL, where the technology has been proven in successful mission operations.
The use of TRLs in AI development can help developers and investors identify the readiness and maturity of AI technologies. It can also help them determine the appropriate investment and risk management strategies for AI projects.
For instance, an AI technology at TRL 1 or 2 would be considered very early-stage, and investment in such a technology would be considered risky. Conversely, an AI technology at TRL 7 or above would be considered mature and ready for commercialization, with lower investment risk.
Overall, the use of TRLs in AI development provides a standardized approach to assess the readiness of AI technologies, which can lead to more informed investment and deployment decisions. Author Best Educator Online
