Internship | From Pixels to Threats: AI-based Drone Classification

Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

The rapid increase in drone usage has introduced new challenges in safety and security, particularly in scenarios involving multiple drones. While detection technologies have advanced significantly, the ability to quickly interpret and assess threats after detection remains limited.

In this internship, you will focus on developing AI methods for drone classification in optical/infrared. The goal is to support fast and reliable decision-making in complex environments where human operators alone cannot maintain sufficient situational awareness.

This project will explore classification approaches that go beyond identifying exact drone models. You will investigate higher-level reasoning, such as recognizing drone types or families and assessing threat levels.

What will be your role?

You will design and implement machine learning methods for robust drone classification, with a focus on one or more of the following topics:

• Developing hierarchical/multi-stage/multi-frame classification approaches
• Investigating robustness under low resolution and limited or highly imbalanced training data
• Developing solutions to evaluate the uncertainty of the classification prediction.

The exact direction of your work can be tailored to your interests and expertise, in close collaboration with the supervision team.

During your internship, you will document your research in a thesis. If the results are promising, there may be opportunities for a scientific publication.

What we expect from you

You are in the final stages of a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, or a related field. You have experience with Python and machine learning, and preferably some background in computer vision, deep learning and topics previously mentioned.

You are expected to work from our office in The Hague at least part of the week. You will be supervised by researchers with expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and drone sensing systems, and will collaborate with a broader team working on related topics.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.