Internship | Development of a mechanically and electronically seat-tilting system for the TNO driving simulator

Do you want to experience G-forces during enhanced development of a dynamic driving simulator? At TNO Helmond, a dynamic driving simulator is in place that offers an unparalleled testing environment for research, development, and training. From vehicle innovation to driver behavior analysis, this simulator enables users to experience realistic scenarios and gain deep insights into driver behavior. In driving simulation, a hexapod platform is often used to physically convey vehicle movements to the driver. However, the perceived sense of acceleration remains limited due to the platform's small range of motion and speed constraints. By allowing the seat itself to tilt slightly during acceleration and braking, the sensation of G-forces can be enhanced through pressure differentials on the body and changes in posture.

The key challenge in simulation is to create a very realistic driving experience. To enhance the driving experience, we ask you to explore the development of an active tilting seat as an add-on to a hexapod for enhanced perception of acceleration and deceleration in a driving simulator.

Objective: Design and implement a seat tilting system synchronized with vehicle dynamics provided from the software (with TNO support), enabling the driver to 'feel' acceleration and deceleration through slight forward and backward tilting.

In this internship, you will start to develop a mechanically and electronically functioning tilting system for the seat. The seat is mounted on an existing hexapod and thus provides an additional motion cue on top of the platform’s standard movements. The system must be linked to the vehicle’s acceleration data from the simulation software.

Proposed approach:

• Design a mechanical system (e.g., actuators, hinges, or linear units) to tilt the seat forward and backward by 5–10 degrees.
• Build and physically test this system, ensuring it is suitable for mounting on an existing hexapod.
• Integrate the system with real-time acceleration data from SCANeR using API, UDP, or CAN communication.
• Develop and compare different control strategies (such as direct mapping, delayed filtering, or motion cueing).
• Evaluate the effect of the tilting motion on the driver's subjective experience (e.g., through a short user experience study or expert interviews).

We require that you are familiar with mechanical design (CAD) and drive systems. You have experience with programming e.g. Phython or C++ ( please indicate your programming language strengths in your application), and you are willing to learn. Experience with embedded systems, Arduino/ESP32, or real-time control. Interest in human-machine interaction or simulation is a plus. We would like you to start as soon as possible. Starting in September is also possible. The internship fits into a 3 to 5 months project (based on full-time availability). Finally, successful candidates should be able to spend at least 2 days a week in our TNO Helmond, premises to enable you to work with our tools and to have short communication lines.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.