Internship | Vision Language Models (VLM) for Intelligent Surveillance and Security Capabilities

A key partner in the public safety and justice domain is facing a significant challenge: increasing staff shortages that require smarter and more efficient approaches to surveillance and security operations. To address this, the organization is investing in automation and robotics as part of a broader strategy to enhance operational effectiveness. Vision Language Models (VLMs) offer promising support for visual monitoring tasks that currently require substantial human effort. Combined with Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents, these technologies enable the development of locally managed systems that deliver real-time automated insights into critical surveillance and security processes. We are developing an AI agent designed to provide valuable insights that support security personnel. By integrating and analysing multiple data streams—including surveillance footage, visitor records, inspection logs, and more—actionable intelligence can be derived to strengthen situational awareness and operational efficiency. A crucial aspect of this AI agent is its Vision Language Model (VLM) capabilities. With access to a VLM, more sophisticated analysis of image and video data becomes possible. For example, the system could detect discrepancies in items that people bring in and out of secure environments, flagging suspicious activities. Additional applications may include identifying object displacement, unusual behaviour patterns or detecting damage to infrastructure such as doors, fences, or other critical assets.

The exact goal and scope of the assignment can be tailored to your interests and strengths. You may choose to focus on the technical aspects, such as developing visual analysis capabilities using VLMs. The project could also take a more practical direction, for example by designing a specific use case within a simulated security environment. A stronger emphasis on system architecture is also possible, dedicating part of the project to setting up data streams and interfaces that connect visual inputs to an AI agent and enable real-time feedback outputs. Whether your interests lie in deep learning, applied experimentation, or system integration, this project offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of intelligent surveillance and security technologies. You’ll be part of an ongoing collaboration between TNO and a key partner in the public safety and justice domain, with the opportunity to make a personal contribution and gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research initiative.

You’ll carry out this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department, located in The Hague. This group of ~60 passionate researchers specializes in image processing, visual pattern recognition, and AI—particularly deep learning. Their work supports breakthroughs in societal and economic domains, including vision-language models, drone technology, frugal learning, and multi-modal data fusion. The team regularly supervises students on internships and graduation projects, often with overlapping topics that encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange.

You are in the final stages of your master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, robotics, systems and control engineering, physics or a similar degree. You have some experience in computer vision, artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning, and programming in Python. In addition to technical experience, we value clear communication, a result-driven attitude, and a motivation to publish the work.

Please include the following practical information in your cover letter:

• Whether you are looking for an internship or a graduation project.
• The preferred duration of your project (flexible in the range of 6 to 12 months),
• Your desired start date (flexible, but due to the required security screening the earliest possible start date is three months after submitting your application).

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.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

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.