Internship | Vision Language Models (VLM) for Intelligent Surveillance and Security Capabilities

Internship | Vision Language Models (VLM) for Intelligent Surveillance and Security Capabilities

About this position

A key partner in the public safety and justice domain is facing a significant challenge: increasing staff shortages that require smarter and more efficient approaches to surveillance and security operations. To address this, the organization is investing in automation and robotics as part of a broader strategy to enhance operational effectiveness. Vision Language Models (VLMs) offer promising support for visual monitoring tasks that currently require substantial human effort. Combined with Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents, these technologies enable the development of locally managed systems that deliver real-time automated insights into critical surveillance and security processes. We are developing an AI agent designed to provide valuable insights that support security personnel. By integrating and analysing multiple data streams—including surveillance footage, visitor records, inspection logs, and more—actionable intelligence can be derived to strengthen situational awareness and operational efficiency. A crucial aspect of this AI agent is its Vision Language Model (VLM) capabilities. With access to a VLM, more sophisticated analysis of image and video data becomes possible. For example, the system could detect discrepancies in items that people bring in and out of secure environments, flagging suspicious activities. Additional applications may include identifying object displacement, unusual behaviour patterns or detecting damage to infrastructure such as doors, fences, or other critical assets.

What will be your role?

The exact goal and scope of the assignment can be tailored to your interests and strengths. You may choose to focus on the technical aspects, such as developing visual analysis capabilities using VLMs. The project could also take a more practical direction, for example by designing a specific use case within a simulated security environment. A stronger emphasis on system architecture is also possible, dedicating part of the project to setting up data streams and interfaces that connect visual inputs to an AI agent and enable real-time feedback outputs. Whether your interests lie in deep learning, applied experimentation, or system integration, this project offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of intelligent surveillance and security technologies. You’ll be part of an ongoing collaboration between TNO and a key partner in the public safety and justice domain, with the opportunity to make a personal contribution and gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research initiative.

You’ll carry out this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department, located in The Hague. This group of ~60 passionate researchers specializes in image processing, visual pattern recognition, and AI—particularly deep learning. Their work supports breakthroughs in societal and economic domains, including vision-language models, drone technology, frugal learning, and multi-modal data fusion. The team regularly supervises students on internships and graduation projects, often with overlapping topics that encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange.

What we expect from you

You are in the final stages of your master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, robotics, systems and control engineering, physics or a similar degree. You have some experience in computer vision, artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning, 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).

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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Muriel Spek, van der

  • E-mailadres: muriel.vanderspek@tno.nl