Internship | MBSE meets DSE: Coupling Model-Based Systems Engineering and Design Space Exploration

Many companies in the high-tech industry, e.g. ASML, Philips, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Vanderlande, are in the process of introducing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in their way of working. Using MBSE, system design knowledge is captured in (semi-)formal models instead of ambiguous text documents.
When designing a system, multiple alternatives need to be evaluated. Often, the models used in MBSE only allow a qualitative evaluation of design alternatives. To enable quantitative evaluation of design alternatives, TNO-ESI has developed an add-on for the MBSE tool Capella, which allows a design space exploration (DSE). Using the DSE add-on, one can specify (customer) workflows in terms of their functionality. In addition, one can specify and analyse the workflow variation with respect to allocation of functions to resources, function durations, numbers of iterations, and probabilities. A video explaining the functionality can be found through this link.

Currently, the add-on’s DSE is exhaustive; i.e. it tries all possible design alternatives. The goal of this assignment is to make the add-on’s DSE scalable. The following steps are foreseen to improve the functionality of the DSE add-on:

• Translating the specification of the workflow variation into a format suited for exploration by meta-heuristic algorithms for DSE;
• Using the meta-heuristic algorithms to effectively search the design space;
• Optimizing the meta-heuristic algorithms by adding knowledge about the workflows and the optimization criteria; and
• Translating the meta-heuristic algorithms’ output back to the workflow domain.

Your assignment is to analyse how these steps can be realised and extend the DSE add-on accordingly.
The assignment will (partially) be carried out at TNO’s Embedded Systems Innovation department at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven in cooperation with Thermo Fisher Scientific.

You are a Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence BSc/MSc student looking for an internship or a graduation assignment. You are interested in or have experience with model-driven engineering and design space exploration. You are positively challenged by a multi-disciplinary environment and are motivated to make research methods accessible to an industrial audience.

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement 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. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

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 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.