Internship | Operational AI and the need for Robust Temporal Small Object Detection AI Techniques

TNO’s Temporal Small Object Detection algorithm offers advanced performance in visual monitoring, providing a reliable solution for real-time surveillance and security applications. Supported by peer-reviewed research and ongoing development, this technology represents a strong step forward in intelligent surveillance. We invite you to join us in contributing to the evolving landscape of smart, automated monitoring systems. Multiple stakeholders in the safety domain are facing a growing challenge: increasing staff shortages that demand smarter and more efficient approaches to surveillance and security operations. In response, these organizations are investing in automation and data driven solutions as part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational effectiveness.

We are advancing surveillance and security systems to strengthen the safety and operational resilience of our partners. A central component of this effort is TNO’s Temporal Small Object Detection AI technology. Unlike conventional single frame detectors, our model incorporates temporal information across video sequences, using motion cues, frame history, and temporal feature learning to substantially improve the detection of very small objects. By leveraging video context, the system delivers increased robustness under challenging conditions such as adverse weather, motion blur, occlusions and rapid appearance changes, where traditional single frame approaches often fall short.

At the same time, we recognize that further development is needed to address current limitations. Ongoing research is therefore focused on closing these gaps, ensuring that the technology becomes fully operational and seamlessly deployable within our partner’s real world environments.

In this internship, you will contribute to the continued advancement of our Temporal Small Object Detection technology, a key component in next generation intelligent surveillance systems. The goal of the assignment is to further strengthen the model’s performance in diverse and dynamic real world conditions. Depending on your interests, you can tailor the focus toward model architecture, training strategies, or data design. Possible directions include exploring novel model architectures that more effectively capture temporal dependencies, experimenting with advanced training techniques, or designing synthetic datasets that represent rare or challenging scenarios. You may also investigate domain adaptation approaches to support reliable performance when deploying the system across different environments. Your work will play a meaningful role in enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of cutting edge surveillance technologies, helping bring research innovations closer to operational deployment.

You’ll carry out this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department, located in The Hague. This group of ~60 passionate researchers specializes in AI, Computer Vision and Robotics. The team regularly supervises students on internships and graduation projects, often with overlapping topics that encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange.

You are in the final stages of your master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, robotics, physics or a similar degree. You have some experience in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and programming in Python. In addition to technical experience, we value clear communication, a result-driven attitude, and a motivation to publish the work.

Please include the following practical information in your cover letter:

• Whether you are looking for an internship or a graduation project.
• The preferred duration of your project (flexible in the range of 6 to 12 months).
• Your desired start date (flexible, but due to the required security screening the earliest possible start date is three months after submitting your application).

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.

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.