Internship: Making airport container positioning for a robot setup smarter

Job TitleInternship: Making airport container positioning for a robot setup smarter Job Description Assignment type : Internship Start date : February 2027 Assignment duration : 6 months Location : Veghel Education level : Bachelor / Master Desired study : mechatronics, mechanical engineering, industrial automation, systems & control Language : Dutch / English Description of assignment Airports are fast-paced, dynamic environments where every minute counts and operational movements directly impact capacity, safety, and efficiency. At Vanderlande, we develop advanced robotic solutions to automate airport baggage and container handling. However, before a robot can process airplane containers, incoming container trains ("dolly trains") must be positioned accurately, and the system must reliably detect what type of equipment has arrived. In this hands-on internship, you will investigate how our robotic loading setups can better handle diverse dolly train configurations ranging from single-dolly setups to mixed-type trains. You will explore smart detection concepts to help the system distinguish between tractors and container types, evaluate whether driver input can be eliminated through automated sensing, and test your scenarios on a real test setup or via computer simulations. Your insights will directly shape requirements for future airport automation solutions. Department description You will join the Robotics Airports team within Vanderlande's Technology organization, where we design innovative automation concepts for modern airport baggage operations. Our team works on cutting-edge robotics and smart airport logistics, collaborating closely with experts in software, controls, mechanics, safety, and international customer projects. Tasks/responsibilities • Analyze various dolly train configurations and operational flows used in airport container handling • Investigate smart detection methods to recognize train composition and differentiate between tractors and container types • Evaluate whether driver input can be minimized or replaced through intelligent sensing and process design • Test and validate proposed scenarios using computer simulations or hands-on testing on a physical setup • Translate research findings into clear requirements, process flows, and recommendations for future development Your profile • Curious and analytical mindset with a strong interest in robotics, automation, and logistics systems • Ability to structure complex operational challenges into clear process flows and practical scenarios • Strong communication skills to gather input and validate assumptions with engineers and stakeholders • Proactive attitude and eagerness to combine desk research with hands-on testing activities • *Mandatory enrolment to a Dutch Education System & resident of The Netherlands What we offer • A monthly internship allowance (based on a 40-hour work week): Bachelor: €500 per month Master: €550 per month • Full commuting allowance, including public transport, depending on whether you have access to free public transport or not • On-site health center with gym • Active employee communities and initiatives • Excellent company restaurant and barista coffee bar Contact Do you recognize yourself in this challenging profile? Are you looking for an internship in our organization? Please fill out the application form and upload your resume and cover letter. For more information, contact us by e-mail: internship@vanderlande.com.