Identifying Gaps in Automating the Assessment of Technology Readiness Levels

Abstract

Crucial in the design process, Technology Readiness Levels are a common form of technology maturity assessment. Studies suggest that the TRL scale can be subjective and biased. Automating the assessment can reduce human bias. This paper highlights important challenges of automation by presenting data collected on 15 technologies from the nanotechnology sector. Our findings show that, contrary to claims from the literature, patent data exists for low maturity technologies and may be useful for automation. We also found that there exists unexpected trends in data publications at TRL 2, 3 and 4.

A Researcher’s Perspective on Unconventional Lab-to-Fab for 2D Semiconductor Devices

“…Nevertheless, learning from the outcomes of consolidated efforts on graphene, we see how quickly roll-to-roll manufacturing has risen to the task, , and as graphene already makes its way into low-cost and less-than-perfect lattice/structural quality production and still manages to satisfy nanomechanical, chemical, electrical/electronic/robotic, , and even miscellaneous needs . There have certainly been remarkable efforts in pushing 2D technology forwardas various reports today claim that based on a scale conceived by NASA for emergent technologies known as the technology readiness level (TRL), graphene places at least at a level of 3, implying “analytical and experimental critical function and characteristic proof-of-concept” . These considerations are for graphene, arguably the oldest and most explored type in the 2D repository.…”

“…35 There have certainly been remarkable efforts in pushing 2D technology forward�as various reports today claim that based on a scale conceived by NASA for emergent technologies known as the technology readiness level (TRL), graphene places at least at a level of 3, implying "analytical and experimental critical function and characteristic proof-of-concept". 36 These considerations are for graphene, arguably the oldest and most explored type in the 2D repository. While many noncentral (hybrid electronics) applications have risen from diverse and impactful experimentation on graphene, some are closer to realization than others, e.g., high-conductivity electrodes in wearable sensors, 37 solid and fluid transport via nanopores and defects, 38,39 reinforced materials and composites with graphene/graphene oxide, and much more.…”

Data driven TRL Transition Predictions for Early Technology Development in Defence

“…They assumed that maturity levels and the characteristics of a technology life cycle could be matched using the volume of the technology records 11,12 . However, Faidi & Olechowski 13 criticised the match of technology records to the maturity of technologies and reported some unexpected cases.…”