Internship | Traffic rules to formal logic: advancing the automation of rule interpretation for automated driving

Automated vehicles (AVs) rely on clear driving rules to operate safely and predictably. These rules guide both system design and the assessment of how well an AV behaves in real traffic. They also help ensure the vehicle is socially compliant—although in some situations, bending a rule may actually be the more socially appropriate choice. Traffic rules are written for people, not machines. In everyday driving, drivers rely on experience, context, social norms and shared understanding to apply them. Today, formalizing traffic rules from natural language is still a manual, time‑consuming task. Traffic rules are often long and vague. They also differ across regions and jurisdictions. Engineers must interpret the text, decide on what is relevant in the text and translate it into logical structures. This takes time and does not scale well.

The assignment is to advance the TNO approach that converts traffic and driving rules written in natural language into precise, structured formal rules.

Proposed approach:

• Review existing methods and prior work completed within the different projects.
• Identify linguistic structures common in traffic and driving rules.
• Break down rules into context, actors, conditions, and expected behaviors.
• Develop a consistent structure for expressing a formal version of each rule.
• Translate the formal version into a clear logical statement using mathematical expressions.
• Handle exceptions and edge cases that naturally appear in rules.
• Evaluate the clarity, consistency, and completeness of the translated rules.
• Test the method on a diverse set of rules from different sources.
• Recommend improvements to make the process more systematic and scalable.

Expected Outcomes:

• Methodology for turning natural‑language rules into formal representations and corresponding mathematical statements.
• Set of translated rules that demonstrate the method across different rule types.
• Practical insights on how to extend or automate parts of the workflow.

Candidates should have a background in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Systems and Control Engineering or a related field. They should be proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, basic data processing). Experience with formal methods or mathematical reasoning, NLP libraries or language models is preferred. The internship/ master thesis is expected to last 6 to 9 months. We require you to work in Helmond at the TNO office at least twice a week 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.