Internship | Extending the IDM to Include Multiple Targets

The introduction of Automated Vehicles (AVs) is creating a mixed traffic conditions on the roads, consisting of a blend of AVs, human drivers, and vulnerable road users. To maintain the current levels of safety, it’s important that all participants in this social system adhere to the same driving rules including not only the formal traffic rules but also the implicit behavioral rules most traffic participants learn through practice. At TNO we are investigating how to model such behaviors, so that we can teach AVs to drive competently in a very human traffic system. Do you want to contribute to this research? Please read further! ​​​​​​​ Driving safely in a dynamic environment with multiple road users does not only depend on one’s actions, but on the actions of another road participant. This is the case even when one is “just” driving in a single lane. At this moment, TNO is conducting research to model how competent drivers adjust their driving behavior while driving in-lane in highways, and you can contribute to this state-of-the art research!

In this MSc Thesis you will model the so-called car-following behavior. That is, the behavior of a driver that drivers in a single lane while following a vehicle in front (or not). Although many models for such behavior exist, they usually include only the green vehicle. The challenge is to include one or more blue vehicles too.
Depending on your own progress, you will work on the following:

• Literature review on the state-of-the art of car-following models that include more than one target
• Select at least two modeling approaches based on their ability of 1) adjusting the host vehicle following distance considering the position of the blue vehicle 2) seamlessly reducing to a typical car-following model when the blue vehicles are not available.
• Fit the model parameters using data of driving and compare them to the standard IDM model.

For this project, TNO will make available three naturalistic datasets that include recording of kinematic variables of the ego vehicle and its surrounding traffic (i.e., speeds, position, accelerations, lane markings, etc.).

We require you to be familiar with MATLAB and/or Python. You are knowledgeable in (driving) modeling, data science or are willing to learn. We would like you to start as soon as possible. We require you to work in Helmond at the TNO office for at least 2 days a week to enable you to work with our tools and to have short communication lines.

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.

Students must reside in the Netherlands before the start and also throughout the internship or graduation project at TNO.