Internship | Computer vision for road inspection | The Hague

The Intelligent Imaging department at TNO works on a large variety of computer vision solutions in the field of inspection. One of these projects is the automated inspection of the Dutch highways, where our algorithms are used to monitor the state of the highways and to indicate when sections of highway need to be repaired or replaced. Every year, a high-resolution 3D profile is recorded of all Dutch highways (approximately 15.000 km worth of highway lanes). Our task is to extract as much information as possible from this extremely large amount of data. Currently, different categories of road damage are already automatically detected such as cracks or raveling. During your project, you will research new computer vision solutions that will help to keep the Dutch highways well maintained and safe.

There are many possibilities for a project in the field of road inspection, a number of research directions are listed below to give you a better understanding on what your internship/graduation project could look like. The exact topic of your project will be determined based on your interests and background, so please mention these in your application.

Possible projects:

• Anomaly classification: Across the whole Dutch highway system there is a large variety of anomalies in the data. In order to monitor the condition of the road it is important that we accurately classify these anomalies, separating damage from other outliers. However, it is challenging to accurately classify different structures that have similar visual features. For example, separating cracks in the asphalt from local repairs, pavement joints, road markings, or long stretches of raveling. In this project, you will investigate (deep learning) solutions to perform automatic detection and classification of such anomalies.
• Pavement type classification using deep learning: Not all asphalt is the same, there are actually several different types of asphalt used to pave the Dutch highways. It is difficult to accurately estimate the amount of general wear accurately without knowing the exact asphalt type. A rough porous type of asphalt might look damaged if you would think it was a fine, dense piece of asphalt. During this project, you will create an algorithm to classify different types of asphalt, or even estimate the approximate stone-size distribution within the asphalt.

You will perform this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department. The Intelligent Imaging department is a passionate, creative, and dedicated team of professionals (50 people) specialized in developing groundbreaking applications in the field of computer vision. Our team members have diverse backgrounds, ranging from physics to artificial intelligence. Intelligent Imaging is a young and growing department which has built up a lot of expertise over the past years in AI and deep learning.

Keywords to describe this project include: Artificial intelligence, AI, Computer Vision, Image Classification, Detection, Segmentation, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Inspection.

You are in the final stages of your master’s in artificial intelligence, computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, civil engineering, or a similar field, you have experience in programming (Python and/or Matlab) and preferably have some prior experience with computer vision and/or image processing algorithms.

The project duration is flexible within the range of 6 to 12 months. Please mention in your application whether you are looking for an internship or a graduation project, the preferred duration of your project and your desired starting date.

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. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative working environment, with top experts as colleagues.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Eight hours of leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet TNO-colleagues 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 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:

• As stated in the internship policy, TNO doesn’t sign contracts from educational institutions. Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed, by the intern, TNO and the educational institution. This agreement is established in cooperation with Universiteiten van Nederland according to the UNL-template. If you are not a student at a Dutch college or university, or if you are a mbo-student, the TNO internship agreement will apply. In that case, a ‘proof of educational institution’ and a ‘proof of internship as part of course’ is needed instead of a signature from the educational institution.
• Furthermore, you have to be registered at an educational institution to be eligible to do a paid internship at TNO. If you are not studying at a university you are only eligible for a work experience internship (unpaid, maximum of 8 weeks).
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. It is not possible to work from abroad.