Internship | Integration of an Android Automotive Digital Cockpit into a Dynamic Driving Simulator

Do you want to work on the fusion of advanced automotive technologies and immersive simulation? At TNO Helmond, we are developing a high-end dynamic (6DOF) driving simulator to test and validate human-machine interactions in vehicles. A key aspect is the integration of realistic cockpit systems. In this internship, you will help bring a digital Android Automotive-based cockpit into our simulation environment.

You will be responsible for integrating TomTom’s Android Automotive-based digital cockpit into our driving simulator. This includes connecting real-time vehicle signals such as speed, location, and system status from the simulator to the digital cluster using technologies like CAN-bus, cluster streaming, and hardware interfaces. You will also contribute to the user interface and user experience of the system.

Objective: Establish a fully integrated, responsive cockpit setup that reflects real-time simulator data in a digital Android Automotive cluster for use in driving scenarios and Human Factors studies.

In this internship, you will start to create:

• A functional Android Automotive cockpit environment embedded in the simulator setup.
• Real-time data streaming from SCANeR to the digital cockpit (e.g., speed, GPS, vehicle status).
• Integration using CAN-bus protocols and streaming interfaces.
• Basic UI/UX improvements for better driver interaction.
• A technically sound and visually coherent simulator dashboard experience Proposed approach.
• Connect the Android Automotive cockpit to SCANeR using appropriate protocols.
• Parse and process data such as CAN messages and GPS signals.
• Test and verify cockpit behavior against simulator output.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure proper system interfacing.
• Optional: explore UI design tweaks or enhancements for cockpit usability.

• Basic to advanced programming skills (C++ and/or Python).
• Experience or interest in Android Automotive development.
• Affinity with CAN-bus and automotive communication protocols.
• Interest in driving simulation software (e.g., SCANeR).
• Bonus: creative interest in cockpit UI and design.

We would like you to start as soon as possible. The internship fits into a 3-month or 6-month project (based on full-time availability). Finally, successful candidates should be able to spend at least 3 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.