Master Thesis - LiDAR-Based General Object Detection for Autonomous Driving
Join Zenseact and develop cutting-edge algorithms for detecting rare objects using LiDAR technology. Shape the future of autonomous driving with hands-on experience and career-boosting opportunities!
Why This Matters
At Zenseact, we’re developing technology that ensures Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) operate safely and efficiently. While much of AD perception today is driven by machine learning (ML) and neural networks, these methods have limitations, especially when it comes to detecting rare objects in real-world environments. This project will explore non-machine learning methods to tackle these challenges and ensure our systems reliably detect all types of objects, no matter how rare.
You’ll be working on developing classical algorithms—like point cloud clustering techniques—that don’t rely on labeled data or machine learning models. This approach is critical for ensuring robustness in cases where ML solutions fall short or cannot be fully trusted. By improving detection through these traditional techniques, you'll play a key role in advancing the safety of autonomous vehicles.
Your Role in the Project
In this master’s thesis project, you will:
- Develop a non-ML algorithm for general object detection using LiDAR point clouds.
- Evaluate the algorithm’s performance on both real-world and synthetic data.
- Optionally, refine the algorithm based on theoretical analysis or optimize it for better runtime efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking two students with:
- Strong experience in mathematics and statistics.
- Solid programming skills, preferably in Python.
- Basic familiarity with Linux environments.
Bonus points if you have:
- Experience working with LiDAR sensors or similar technology.
- Knowledge of GPU programming or an interest in optimization for hardware efficiency.
What’s in it for You?
- Hands-on experience: You’ll work with cutting-edge LiDAR technology and apply classical algorithmic methods to autonomous driving challenges.
- Tailored learning: The project allows flexibility in focus, whether you're interested in algorithm development, runtime efficiency, or theoretical analysis.
- Mentorship & support: You’ll collaborate with experts at Zenseact and gain insights from a diverse, innovative team.
- Career growth: Develop key skills in classical algorithm design, optimization, and real-world data processing, positioning you for future roles in autonomous technology or other advanced fields.
How to apply & important details
Please send in individual applications including your CV, motivational letter, and grade transcripts. If you plan to partner with someone, simply mention that in your application.
- Planned start: January 2025 (with flexibility)
- Final application date: November 15, 2024 (applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)
- Duration: 30 ECTS
For questions regarding the project, please contact [staffan.nilsson@zenseact.com].
This project is a unique chance to engage with advanced autonomous driving technology using non-machine learning methods—a fundamental area that continues to play a vital role in the safety and reliability of self-driving cars. We look forward to hearing from you!
More about Zenseact
Our software makes a difference.
Using AI-based technology to create the ultimate driver support, we’re fighting to end car accidents and make roads safe for everyone. Around 1,4 million people die in traffic yearly while approximately 50 million people get injured. Many get disabled as a result of their injury. We can do better.
One purpose, one product.
We’re a software company dedicated to revolutionizing car safety. By designing the complete software stack for autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems, we’re fighting to end car accidents and make roads safe for everyone. Zenseact was founded by Volvo Cars, and the teams are based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Shanghai, China.When we aim for zero accidents faster, we strive to speed up the transition to safe automation. This is essentially achieved by making cars updatable – like a computer or a phone. With regular software updates, a vehicle can be made safer long after its production. By accelerating improvement loops, shortening development cycles, and deploying high-capacity software quickly, we can make cars safer, faster.
Culture with people at heart
To achieve our mission of saving lives and ending traffic accidents is to go where nobody has before. It requires us to venture into the unknown, pioneering new technology and pushing the frontier of autonomous driving. While there’s no denying our determination and expertise, we must stand united to succeed. By fostering a culture of support and enablement – a place of psychological safety where all of us can thrive – everything else will follow. We call this a people-at-heart culture. This culture means caring. It means the company cares about me, and we care about one another. It means sharing, so we give each other energy and have fun together. Our culture is also about belonging. It’s important to feel at home and that we can be ourselves at work. Finally, a people-at-heart culture means well-being. So, we enjoy the flexibility needed to be and do our best – at work and in life.
Zenseact works proactively to create a culture of diversity and inclusion, where individual differences are appreciated and respected. To drive innovation we see diversity as an asset, which means we value and respect differences in gender, race, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age etc.
Interviews are held on a continuous basis, so we highly recommend that you submit your application at your earliest convenience.
- Competence area
- Opportunities for Students, Graduates & Innovators
- Locations
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Remote status
- Hybrid
Gothenburg, Sweden
About Zenseact
One purpose, one product
We are a software company focused on transforming car safety. By developing a complete software stack for autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems, we aim to eliminate car accidents and make roads safer for all. Founded by Volvo Cars, Zenseact operates globally, with teams in Gothenburg and Lund, Sweden; Munich, Germany; and Shanghai, China.
Master Thesis - LiDAR-Based General Object Detection for Autonomous Driving
Join Zenseact and develop cutting-edge algorithms for detecting rare objects using LiDAR technology. Shape the future of autonomous driving with hands-on experience and career-boosting opportunities!
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