Internship | Assignment: Digital Twin Visualization Framework

Modern structural assets—such as buildings, bridges, and ships—are increasingly equipped with sensors that continuously gather measurement data (e.g., vibrations, loads, deformations, and environmental conditions). To maximize the value of this data, it is crucial to fuse real-time measurements with numerical models of these structures. This fusion forms the foundation of digital twins, which provide engineers and operators with actionable insights into asset health, performance, and maintenance needs. However, creating a reusable, flexible, and interactive visualization framework for digital twins remains a challenge. Leveraging open-source Python tools, such as the Trame framework, can help address this challenge by enabling efficient web-based visualization and integration of real-time data streams.

The goal of this internship is to design and implement a prototype framework for digital twin visualization, with a focus on reusability, flexibility, and integration with real-time measurement data.

Specific objectives:

1. Literature and tools review:

• Explore existing digital twin visualization approaches and frameworks.
• Review open-source visualization libraries in Python (e.g., Trame, VTK, Plotly, Bokeh, Dash).
• Identify suitable technologies for real-time data integration.
• Interview different stakeholders.

2. Framework design:

• Define the architecture of a reusable visualization framework.
• Ensure modularity for supporting different structural assets (buildings, bridges, ships, etc.).
• Specify data input formats (real-time sensor streams, numerical simulation outputs).

3. Prototype development:

• Implement a working prototype using the Trame framework (with VTK or other visualization engines as backend).
• Integrate simulated real-time measurement data with a numerical model.
• Enable interactive visualization (e.g., 3D model views, time-series overlays, live updates).

4. Demonstration and validation:

• Apply the prototype to at least one example asset (e.g., bridge model with sensor data).
• Demonstrate real-time updates and interactive features.
• Document limitations, scalability, and future improvements.

5. Documentation and knowledge transfer:

• Provide comprehensive documentation for framework setup, use, and extension.
• Suggest guidelines for applying the framework to new assets.

Skills and technologies involved:

• Git (version control, collaboration, workflow management).
• Python programming.
• Data visualization frameworks (Trame, VTK, Plotly, etc.).
• Real-time data handling (e.g., websockets, MQTT, or REST APIs).
• Numerical simulation integration.
• Software architecture and modular design.

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.