Internship | AI-based Learning with Scarce Data for Re-X Decision Support

About this position

The Dutch Semicon supply chain is currently able to reuse about 80% of its valuable modules and components through existing Re X processes (reuse, repair, remanufacture). The remaining 20% is lost due to organizational and process related limitations, while raw materials are becoming scarcer worldwide and geopolitical tensions are increasing. During this internship, you will directly contribute to improving circularity within the Dutch Semicon supply chain by researching AI methods that can deliver valuable decision support and insights despite limited or incomplete data. In doing so, you help ensure that part of the remaining 20% can still be reused successfully, contributing to the sustainability of the high tech sector.

Internship | AI-based Learning with Scarce Data for Re-X Decision Support

What will be your role?

You will investigate and test one or more AI methods that enable learning from scarce data within Re X processes. This is essential because collecting all required data from suppliers is challenging, while our AI Remanufacturing Assistant (ARMA) must still be able to provide reliable decision support. By exploring data efficient AI techniques, you ensure that ARMA remains robust under conditions of limited data availability. Since ML/DL techniques often depend on data quality and quantity, we expect it will be necessary to explore classical or hybrid AI techniques. Within this assignment, you have the freedom to shape the technical direction based on your interests and the expertise of your university supervisor.

During your thesis internship, you will work in TNO’s Data Ecosystems department, a department focused on large scale, secure, and sovereign data sharing aligned with European values. The department plays a leading role in digital data sharing concepts such as Digital Product Passports, which will also be relevant to this project. You will be supervised from the Groningen office, where you will have the opportunity to work on site on your thesis. In addition, you will collaborate (mainly remotely) with the team establishing a triage center in Eindhoven for analyzing and making decisions about Semicon components entering Re X processes, giving your research a direct industrial and practical context.

What we expect from you

The ideal candidate for this thesis project is in the final phase of a Master’s in AI and has an interest in non‑standard AI techniques. This candidate is curious, enjoys exploring new angles, and has experience with programming in Python.

• Final phase of a Master’s in AI or CS with AI specialization (or other programme that provides experience with AI techniques not solely dependent on data).
• Interest in AI methods that do not rely on large amounts of high‑quality data.
• Clear communication and a results‑driven mindset.
• A drive for societal impact.
• Enthusiasm for working with experienced colleagues and experts.

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).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• 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.