Internship | Event Cameras for Robust 3D Reconstruction

Internship | Event Cameras for Robust 3D Reconstruction

About this position

3D reconstruction of real-world environments is crucial for applications in mapping and robotics. Recent advances in neural rendering techniques, such as Neural Radiance Fields and 3D Gaussian Splatting, have further increased interest in this domain by enabling more flexible and photorealistic scene representations. However, real-world conditions such as dynamic scenes, dark or over-exposed areas, and fast movement, often degrade the performance of existing methods. Event cameras (also known as neuromorphic cameras) are known for their robustness to high-speed motion and high dynamic range, making them a promising sensor for visual navigation and environment mapping tasks. Yet, most research is still conducted under controlled conditions, leaving the true applicability of event cameras for 3D reconstruction in real-world scenarios largely unknown.

What will be your role?

This project aims to develop and evaluate a 3D reconstruction pipeline using event cameras that can robustly reconstruct scenes, even in the presence of real-world challenges. Such challenges include environments with dynamic distractors like moving people, as well as varying lighting conditions and other uncontrolled factors. Throughout the project, we will identify the strengths and weaknesses of event-based reconstruction under these real-world conditions.

To achieve this, representative data will be collected using event cameras to accurately reflect practical scenarios. The project will involve investigating current state-of-the-art methods, including recent neural rendering approaches such as Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) and 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) adapted for event cameras, assessing their performance in real-world environments, and identifying potential adaptations to improve their robustness in one or more challenging conditions.

You will perform this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department. The Intelligent Imaging department is a passionate, creative, and dedicated team of professionals (60 people) specialized in developing groundbreaking applications in the field of computer vision.

What we expect from you

You are in the final stages of your master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, electrical engineering or a similar degree and you are looking for a full-time internship or graduation project as part of your studies. You have experience in programming (Python) and preferably have some experience with deep learning and computer vision algorithms. The project is suited as a graduation project (MSc. thesis) or as an internship.

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 two months after submitting your application).

What you'll get in return

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.

TNO as an employer

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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Pieter Piscaer

  • E-mailadres: pieter.piscaer@tno.nl