Internship: Autonomous Navigation Simulation and Synthetic Dataset Generation

Imagine building virtual environments that help autonomous robots navigate real farms more effectively. During this internship, you will explore how simulation and synthetic data can improve the navigation capabilities of Lely's mobile robots. You will work closely with engineers from different disciplines and gain hands-on experience with technologies that play a key role in the future of autonomous farming. 

As part of the Navigation team, you will discover what data is needed for autonomous navigation, investigate available simulation technologies, and develop a simulation environment that can be integrated with Lely's robotics software stack. Your work will contribute to the development, training, and benchmarking of navigation algorithms in realistic virtual farm environments.  

Key responsibilities 

You will combine research, software development, and robotics engineering in a project that has a direct connection to real-world autonomous systems. 

Throughout your internship, you will contribute to a variety of activities, including: 

• Understand which datasets and sensor information are required for autonomous navigation in mobile robotics. 

• Set up and develop a simulation environment that can be integrated with Lely mobile robots. 

• Generate synthetic datasets for training and benchmarking navigation algorithms. 

• Collaborate with software, electronics, and hardware engineers within the Navigation team. 

• Test, validate, and document your findings and recommendations for future development. 

Practical information 

• Start date: September 2026 

• Internship type: Educational Internship or graduation assignment 

• Duration: 6 months 

• Working hours: Minimum 32 hours per week 

• Education level: MBO or HBO

You are curious about autonomous systems and enjoy turning complex technical challenges into practical solutions. You like experimenting, learning from specialists around you, and applying your knowledge in a real-world robotics environment. 

Additionally, you bring: 

• An education in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field. 

• Strong interest in mobile robotics, software development, and mechatronics. 

• Experience with simulation environments or a willingness to learn. 

• Knowledge of Python and/or C++. 

• Experience with Linux. 

• Basic understanding of Machine Learning concepts. 

• Good communication skills in English. 

If you do not meet every requirement but are excited about the opportunity, we still encourage you to apply. We value curiosity, motivation, and desire to learn.

At Lely, we offer you an educational and dynamic internship experience at one of the most innovative organizations in the Netherlands. You’ll become part of a driven team and have plenty of opportunities to further develop your talents. 

• An international working environment 

• An internship allowance of €650 per month based on a 40-hour work week 

• A student apartment if your commute is too long 

• Our modern Lely Campus gives you daily access to extensive sports facilities: an indoor gym, outdoor padel courts, a basketball and volleyball court, as well as table tennis and foosball. You can join Hyrox workouts or sign up for personal training – and challenge your colleagues during an active break. 

• Enjoy fresh coffee and tea from our in-house barista, made with milk straight from our farm, and a healthy, affordable company restaurant. 

• A free shuttle bus takes you to and from the metro station in Maassluis, ensuring your workday starts and ends smoothly. 

• We’re also proud that our dedication and vision have been recognized with the Rotterdam Entrepreneur Award 2025!