Internship | Use of Unreal Engine to create a Digital Twin of the Automotive Campus/N270/ A270 Road

Do you want to create a digital twin of a road environment to be used in a simulation environment ? At TNO Helmond, for simulation purposes of Autonomous vehicles in traffic a digital twin of an actual road is desired. The key challenge in to create an actual accurate digital twin of a road by the use of Unreal Engine software. The objective is to develop a visually realistic 3D environment of (a part of) the Automotive Campus or a highway segment (e.g., A270 near Helmond) for use in a driving simulator. The focus is on recognizability, accurate scale, and performance optimization.

In this internship, you will start to create:

• A 3D environment with correct scale and orientation, featuring recognizable buildings, roads, and environmental elements.
• Built in Unreal Engine.
• Based on real-world data sources (such as OpenStreetMap, aerial imagery, or Google Street View).
• Ready for export and integration into a driving simulator. Proposed approach:
• Collect map and reference data (OSM, aerial photos, Street View, etc.).
• Import or recreate roads and buildings.
• Apply textures and assign materials (asphalt, grass, building facades, etc.).
• Add details such as traffic signs, guardrails, streetlights, and vegetation.
• Optionally, include animated elements (e.g., traffic or flashing lights).
• Optimize the environment for simulator performance (using LODs, draw distance settings, texture baking, etc.).

Expected Deliverables:

• A defined, recognizable 3D environment of a real-world Dutch location (e.g., Automotive Campus or A270).
• The environment is fully compatible with a driving simulator.
• A short presentation and a live demo of the environment.

• Basic knowledge of 3D software (e.g., Blender, Unreal Engine) is required.
• Affinity with games or simulation is a plus.
• Technical support available (e.g., for OSM import, scale correction, Unreal setup).

We would like you to start as soon as possible Starting in September is also possible. The internship fits into a 3 to 5 months project (based on full-time availability). Finally, successful candidates should be able to spend at least 3 days a week inour TNO Helmond premises to enable you to work with our tools and to have short communication lines.

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.

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, equity 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.

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.