Internship | Operational AI and the need for Robust Temporal Small Object Detection AI Techniques

About this internship

TNO’s Temporal Small Object Detection algorithm offers advanced performance in visual monitoring, providing a reliable solution for real-time surveillance and security applications. Supported by peer-reviewed research and ongoing development, this technology represents a strong step forward in intelligent surveillance. We invite you to join us in contributing to the evolving landscape of smart, automated monitoring systems. Multiple stakeholders in the safety domain are facing a growing challenge: increasing staff shortages that demand smarter and more efficient approaches to surveillance and security operations. In response, these organizations are investing in automation and data driven solutions as part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational effectiveness.

Internship focus: Operational AI and robust temporal small object detection

We are advancing surveillance and security systems to strengthen the safety and operational resilience of our partners. A central component of this effort is TNO’s Temporal Small Object Detection AI technology. Unlike conventional single frame detectors, our model incorporates temporal information across video sequences, using motion cues, frame history, and temporal feature learning to substantially improve the detection of very small objects. By leveraging video context, the system delivers increased robustness under challenging conditions such as adverse weather, motion blur, occlusions and rapid appearance changes, where traditional single frame approaches often fall short.

At the same time, we recognize that further development is needed to address current limitations. Ongoing research is therefore focused on closing these gaps, ensuring that the technology becomes fully operational and seamlessly deployable within our partner’s real world environments.

In this internship, you will contribute to the continued advancement of our Temporal Small Object Detection technology, a key component in next generation intelligent surveillance systems. The goal of the assignment is to further strengthen the model’s performance in diverse and dynamic real world conditions. Depending on your interests, you can tailor the focus toward model architecture, training strategies, or data design. Possible directions include exploring novel model architectures that more effectively capture temporal dependencies, experimenting with advanced training techniques, or designing synthetic datasets that represent rare or challenging scenarios. You may also investigate domain adaptation approaches to support reliable performance when deploying the system across different environments. Your work will play a meaningful role in enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of cutting edge surveillance technologies, helping bring research innovations closer to operational deployment.

You’ll carry out this assignment within TNO’s Intelligent Imaging department, located in The Hague. This group of ~60 passionate researchers specializes in AI, Computer Vision and Robotics. 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, physics or a similar degree. You have some experience in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and programming in Python. In addition to technical experience, we value clear communication, a result-driven attitude, and a motivation to publish the work.

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. 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.