Internship | Digital Interoperability in Manufacturing

About this position

In the near future, society needs to tackle a number of difficult challenges. Among others, we have to deal with climate change and an ongoing reduction in the workforce size and capabilities. In manufacturing, these challenges call for improvements in efficiency, flexibility and collaboration. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) addresses these challenges by leveraging IT solutions and connectivity to access, process and use data that is being generated in manufacturing. In addition, I4.0 aims for a tighter integration between the business and manufacturing processes. To achieve this, we are researching standards and methods to improve interoperability between and across manufacturing and business systems.

What will be your role?

This assignment is about using I4.0 technology to integrate a machine with one or more third party systems. An indication of tasks for the assignment:

• Learn about the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), Industry 4.0 and the machine used in this project.
• Investigating the use of AAS supporting tools, such as the AAS Explorer, Basyx, and others.
• Create several models to capture the machine, tooling and process information, reasoning from a perspective aligned with industrial standards.
• Define criteria to determine a successful AAS application.
• Instantiate the AAS with the models and connect them to the machines and IT systems.
• Create visualizations that present the data provided using the created models.

In order to show the usefulness of the AAS, you need to create a simulation that will replicate the machine application, consistent with several similar segments of the machine. To visualize the whole AAS application, you will create a custom dashboard with the information from the individual Submodels. The end result will be presented at one of the NEXTGEN Hitech project meetings. You’ll become a part of our team of multi-disciplinary researchers where we share insights and collaborate on research within the Smart Industry domain. The assignment will mainly take place at TNO, but may provide an opportunity to visiting our partner manufacturing sites for introduction, experiments and integration.

What we expect from you

You are an HBO/WO student Computer Science, Data Science or related and looking for a graduation assignment of 6-9 months. You have an interest in the challenges that come with manufacturing automation/Industry 4.0, especially with finding generic ways of modeling and connecting data. You have a research-driven mindset and like working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

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).
• 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.

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. 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.