Internship, Development and Evaluation of Social VR/XR Communication Systems

What Will Be Your Role?

In the TNO MediaLab, we are at the forefront of creating innovative media technologies, focusing on providing rich media experiences for people wherever, whenever, and with whomever they desire. Our work primarily involves developing video streaming solutions, encompassing the entire process from capture to rendering, and addressing critical aspects like coding, transport, synchronization, orchestration, digital rights management, and service delivery. This often involves direct collaboration with customers such as broadcasters and content distributors.

A key area of our current innovation is the development of technical solutions for communication within photo-realistic Extended Reality (XR). This groundbreaking work has the potential to transform everyday communication, enabling new forms of interaction in digital worlds and facilitating better communication across any distance. This will directly impact future living and contribute to a more sustainable future by enhancing inclusion for the elderly and people with disabilities, reducing the need for travel, breaking communication barriers, raising awareness for critical societal issues (diversity, climate change, populism), and improving education through immersive experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about our work, you can check out this talk about our latest developments: IBC2019 Conference Tech Talk and explore our website with many reading references: TNO MediaLab Immersive Media.

We are actively seeking talented students to contribute to the evaluation, analysis, and improvement of our current technical development and innovation. This includes prototyping our Social VR communication platform, involving areas such as WebXR programming, spatial audio, 3D video, spatial orchestration, multi-media synchronization, network QoS evaluation, and Video Evaluation (e.g., PSNR/SSIM).

Examples of Assignments

• QoS / QoE in VR/XR communication systems (SocialVR/XR)
• System optimizations on volumetric video over WebRTC and WebXR
• 6DOF for 360-degree SocialVR/XR communication systems
• WebVR / WebXR / WebGL shaders for enhanced real-time photo-realistic volumetric video

The expected duration for this Internship, Development and Evaluation of Social VR/XR Communication Systems project is 6-9 months, with the possibility of writing your thesis and/or taking part in paper writing. It is expected that you will be present at least 4 days a week at our TNO location in New Babylon at The Hague Central station.

What We Expect From You

Top students are invited to apply. We are looking for individuals with a strong technical background and relevant programming experience. While experience with media technology or virtual reality is a bonus, a proactive attitude, enthusiasm, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn and explore are essential. You should also be familiar with one or more of the following technologies:

• JavaScript (in particular React, node.js, WebVR, WebXR, Three.js, Aframe or WebGL shaders)
• GStreamer
• Janus
• Computer-mediated Communication Systems
• System Factors (QoS and QoE)

Key areas of interest include VR, XR, Web development, Distributed Systems, QoS, and QoE.

Typical Expected Student Background

• Computer science
• Software engineering
• Telematics
• Electrical engineering
• Media and communication

What You'll Get In Return

This internship at TNO offers more than just a glimpse into your prospective career; your knowledge is vital to our innovation. We deeply value your personal and professional development, providing excellent supervision and ample scope for you to excel. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with top scientists from TNO and other international institutes and companies, utilizing our state-of-the-art lab facilities. We also encourage contributing your research results to renowned conferences such as IEEE and ACM.

TNO is dedicated to groundbreaking research across diverse domains like energy, smart cities, optics, space, mobility, and telecommunications, constantly pushing boundaries and remaining at the forefront of technological breakthroughs.

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 network with other TNO professionals and participate in various activities, courses, and social events.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses if you do not 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 made knowledge and technology accessible for the common good. We foster an environment of wonder and ingenuity, driven to push boundaries, and offer significant support for your talent and ambition. You will work alongside inspiring colleagues who challenge and learn from you, utilizing our state-of-the-art facilities to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters – impact makes the difference, contributing to tomorrow’s world with every innovation. Read more about TNO as an employer.

We are committed to an inclusive work environment, where everyone can be themselves, regardless of their background or unique qualities. By combining diverse strengths and perspectives, we develop innovations that truly impact society. Learn more about our steps in diversity and inclusion.

The Selection Process

After an initial CV selection, the application process will proceed with the relevant department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. For any questions, please contact the person mentioned in the vacancy.

Please note that this internship requires a security clearance (VGB) from the AIVD after a security screening, which may take approximately 8 weeks. For individuals who have lived abroad for more than 6 consecutive months or do not hold Dutch nationality, this process might take longer. More information about security screening can be found on the AIVD website.

Important Information Before Applying

• The TNO internship agreement must be signed before the internship begins. For Dutch college/university students, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with TNO-specific agreements). For students from foreign or MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies, and TNO does not sign other agreements.
• Your educational institution must confirm in writing before the internship starts that you are enrolled during the internship and that the internship is part of your study program. This confirmation is done by signing the UNL template or TNO's prepared forms.
• Interns at TNO must have a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performing internship activities from abroad is not permitted.

Key skills/competency

• VR/XR Development
• WebXR Programming
• Spatial Audio
• 3D Video Technologies
• System Optimization
• Network QoS/QoE
• JavaScript Frameworks (React, Node.js)
• Distributed Systems
• Prototyping
• Communication Systems