Bsc/Msc: Internship Computer Science - Detecting Part Failures Using Generic Purpose Sensors

Are you excited to shape the future of smart and reliable printing systems? Do you want to work with sensor technology and data analysis to predict failures before they happen? We are looking for you!

Your assignment

Modern printers consist of numerous mechanical and electrical components that operate continuously under varying conditions. Over time, parts inevitably degrade, leading to failures that can cause downtime, costly repairs, and reduced customer satisfaction. Detecting these failures early—or even predicting them—can significantly improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

The challenge is to develop a method for monitoring printer health using generic-purpose sensors, such as power/current measurements, vibration sensors, or acoustic sensors. These sensors can provide valuable signals that indicate changes in component behaviour before a failure occurs. However, interpreting these signals and correlating them to specific failure modes is complex and largely unexplored.

Currently, there is limited understanding of how sensor data relates to part degradation. Large-scale testing and data collection are required to identify patterns and build predictive models. By leveraging sensor data, we aim to create a system that can detect anomalies, predict failures, and enable proactive maintenance.

Key questions include, but are not limited to:

• What sensors to use and where to place them?
• What parameters to measure and how frequently?
• How to process and interpret the data to detect early signs of failure?

If successful, this work will enable remote diagnostics, improve service efficiency, and guide future R&D developments in predictive maintenance.

Your profile

• You are currently studying BSc or MSc in a technical field such as Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
• You have a strong interest in software development.
• Any experience in embedded software development would be a plus.
• You enjoy analyzing complex sensor data, discovering patterns, and creating practical solutions.
• You have basic knowledge of data processing, statistics, or signal analysis; experience with Python or MATLAB is a plus but not required.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with experienced coaching.
• The opportunity to build a strong network with professionals from various disciplines.
• A project with real impact on innovative and reliable printing systems.

What do we stand for?

We develop and manufacture high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. With around 3,300 employees across three continents and our headquarters in Venlo, the Netherlands, we innovate to create high-quality solutions that add color to the world. Guided by the philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—our culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust and stability. We empower our people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.

careers@cpp.canon