Internship | Advanced algorithms for stochastic scheduling of machine logistics

In the world of modern high-tech manufacturing, increasing demand on system performance translates into an increasing need for flexibility and precision on all levels, including robotic control and machine logistics, and leads to increased complexity.

With the old methods of hand-crafted modelling of machine logistics struggling to keep up with such requirements, formal modelling frameworks of machine logistics such as LSAT or dataflow graphs have become a valuable tool for design engineers.

Yet, current models do not account for the inherent uncertainty of real-world processes, e.g. timing variations or unplanned maintenance, which forces designers to rely on heuristics and make compromises such as designing for worst case scenario. Significant performance could thus be gained by accounting for the system’s uncertainty sources and tracking how this uncertainty propagates, for example, by computing how unexpected delays affect the timing of successive actions and the length of the production cycle.

In a model-based design of a machine’s logistics, such as those captured as LSAT or dataflow models, the scheduling of actions within given activities links closely to activity graphs found in standardized modeling languages like UML/SysML. Computing the start and end-times of nodes in such activity graphs is a key step towards analyzing the overall productivity of a flexible manufacturing system. In this project, the intern will develop and implement algorithms for the computation of timings with stochastic machine behavior.

Depending on the intern’s preference and expertise, the project may explore different approaches to compute the stochastic timing behavior of activity graphs such as MCMC sampling, importance sampling, and extreme value theory.

A background in electrical engineering, applied mathematics or computer science is preferable. Knowledge of probability theory, stochastic processes and/or model-based design is also strongly suggested.

The internship will take place at TNO-ESI under a TNO internship contract.

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.

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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.