INTERNSHIP - Seat occupancy detection through vibrational analysis

Topic

Train operators are interested in reliable, yet low-cost, methods to determine whether a specific seat in the train in occupied. This helps to obtain accurate occupancy estimates and to inform the passengers of less-crowded regions in the train. Additionally, if the seat is empty, or luggage is lying on it, the seat can be (re)sold by the operator.

Televic GSP would like to investigate whether a low-cost accelerometer can be used to classify the seat occupancy status. The main assumption is that an occupied seat undergoes different vibrations than an unoccupied seat as the train moves along the track. In correctly classifying these different vibration modes, the seat occupancy status could perhaps be determined.

Following up on an earlier simulation study, the student would use a low-cost device to perform measurements on an actual train and use the collected data to try and discern between (at least) occupied and unoccupied seats. Depending on the expertise and interest of the student, the design of the low-cost device itself can be embedded in the project.

If you are interested in this topic, please also register this on the Televic website at: https://www.televic.com/en/careers/internships-and-students so we can confirm the topic is still available.