Bachelor Internship: Simulation based testing for automotive software development

Boost your skills by developing advanced sensor and actuator models for autonomous vehicle simulations.

Functiebeschrijving / Assignment Description

At DAF, we build software applications using Matlab Simulink, which provides a simulation environment to run our applications without the need for hardware. In a previous internship, a student created a connection between the Simulink simulator and CARLA (a simulator for autonomous driving research based on the Unreal 4 engine). This connection allows us to observe the behavior of our code.

A challenge with CARLA is that its vehicle models do not include all the features required for our tests. This assignment focuses on adapting CARLA’s vehicle models to enable the integration of new sensors and actuators. You will modify the existing vehicle framework to accommodate additional hardware components and investigate how to alter current sensors and actuators within the model. The assignment also includes exploring CARLA’s logging and debugging capabilities to enhance development efficiency and simulation reliability. Python scripting is required.

This task includes / Deze opdracht omvat:

• Analyzing the current CARLA vehicle model architecture with respect to sensors and actuators
• Designing and implementing modifications to integrate new types of sensors (e.g., LiDAR, radar, cameras) and actuators (e.g., steering, throttle, brake)
• Investigating methods to customize and modify existing sensors and actuators in the vehicle model
• Testing and validating the adapted vehicle model within the CARLA simulation environment
• Exploring CARLA’s built-in logging and debugging tools to understand their functionality and limitations
• Documenting the modification process, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented

Possible extensions / Mogelijke uitbreidingen:

• Benchmarking performance impacts of added sensors and actuators on simulation speed and accuracy.

Collaborating on integrating the adapted vehicle models with external control algorithms or HIL.

Jouw profiel / Your Profile

We are looking for a Bachelor student in ICT, Embedded, or Software Engineering. You possess the following competences: cooperation, creativity, planning and organizing, and problem solving.

Afdeling / Department

You will be part of an experienced international team within the Platform Development group of DAF Embedded Engineering, located in our new office in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

DAF Embedded Engineering is primarily based in Eindhoven as part of PACCAR Electronics, with the rest of the department in Renton (near Seattle, USA). Our Eindhoven location has about 200 highly skilled people. Together with colleagues in Renton, we deliver world-class engineering in the domains of powertrain controllers and vehicle controllers.

The products developed within PACCAR Electronics are used on DAF trucks and also in the renowned PACCAR brands Kenworth and Peterbilt. Through component sales, our products are also used by leading bus and coach manufacturers.

Wij bieden / We offer

• A view behind the scenes at a large international corporation; you will get a lot of freedom and responsibility
• We are open to your initiatives and, depending on the assignment, you will see your results reflected in the workplace
• An experienced coach and supervisor who can teach you a lot and is willing to help you with your assignment
• After your graduation, you will have the opportunity to start your career at DAF
• An internship wage of €375 (Bachelor) or €450 (Master) per month on a full-time basis
• A travel allowance, if you don’t have a student travel product (provided by the Dutch government)
• A housing allowance, if you temporarily rent a room near DAF