Internship | Modeling decision-making and driving behavior in lane change interactions

The introduction of Automated Vehicles (AVs) leads to mixed traffic on the roads, consisting of a blend of AVs, human drivers and vulnerable road users (VRUs). 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 drivers’ actions, but also on how a driver reacts to other road users and vice versa. This is particularly important when performing complex driving tasks like lane changes, which involve not only vehicle control, but also decision making by multiple drivers. At this moment, TNO is conducting research to model how competent drivers perform lane changes, you can contribute to this state-of-the art research!

In this MSc Thesis you will model lane changes in highway settings taking into account both the driver’s decision making and vehicle behavior for both the (ego) vehicle performing the lane change and for other vehicles affected by the ego’s behavior. Depending on your own progress, you will work on the following:

• Literature review on the state-of-the art of modeling lane changes in highway settings;
• Select at least two modeling approaches based on their ability of modeling 1) the interaction between lane change decision and their execution (e.g. aborted maneuvers) and 2) potential interactive behaviors between the driver performing the lane change and the drivers in the target lane (see appendix for a few modeling ideas);
• Validate the models by fitting them to actual data of driving and compare them in simulation.

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. Also, 360 reference videos).

We require you to be familiar with MATLAB and/or Python. You are kn4owledgeable in human factors, driving modeling, and/or 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 will work at the Integrated Vehicle Safety department of TNO on the Automotive Campus in Helmond. In this department people are working on developing software for automated driving vehicles. The developed software is tested on test tracks and on the public road. (more info on the department: here). The people are experienced, enthusiastic and driven. You will work in an open area, within your own team. One of our employees will be your mentor, and will help you to get acquainted with the department and give you guidelines for your research in order to help you to get the best out of it.

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.