Hypothesis: A human cannot stand still enough to avoid detection by a LiDAR-based foreground estimation algorithm. Background and Motivation: In the context of autonomous systems, accurate foreground estimation is crucial for detecting and tracking dynamic objects, particularly humans. Foreground estimation algorithms are commonly applied to distinguish moving objects from static backgrounds. However, little research has been done on the threshold of human stillness and whether it is possible for a person to remain undetected when remaining motionless in a monitored scene. Understanding these limits can provide critical insights for safety, stealth, and performance optimization of perception systems.
The goal of this thesis is to evaluate whether a human can remain still enough to avoid detection by a LiDAR-based foreground estimation algorithm. The student will: 1. Investigate and select a suitable foreground estimation algorithm for 3D LiDAR data (e.g. Gaussian Mixture Models, voxel-based methods, or AI-based approaches). 2. Implement and integrate the chosen algorithm using ROS 2 and Docker. 3. Perform experiments using our Seyond LiDARs and real-world human test subjects. 4. Evaluate the sensitivity of the algorithm and determine the motion threshold at which a human is detected or not detected.
Required Skills: • Proficiency in C++ or Python • Experience with ROS 2 and Docker • Basic understanding of LiDAR systems and point cloud processing • Interest in experimental design and data analysis
Frederik Plahl
This thesis aims to improve the accuracy of internal temperature estimation in integrated circuits by enhancing the conventional thermal model (T_core = T_ambient + P_diss * R_th) using Kalman filtering techniques. The current approach relies on datasheet thermal resistance values that are often imprecise and fails to account for dynamic thermal behavior. The proposed method combines real-time power measurements with limited temperature sensor data within a Kalman filter framework to create more accurate temperature estimates.
-Identifying the correct thermal response characteristics through controlled experiments -Developing a dynamic thermal model that includes capacitive effects -Designing and implementing an appropriate Kalman filter structure -Characterizing measurement and process noise parameters -Validating the estimator performance across various operating conditions
Maurice Artelt
This master thesis focuses on optimizing the inference phase of graph processing models, addressing the unique challenges posed by graph-structured data. The research aims to improve model performance for enhanced user experience while exploring hardware-specific optimizations to achieve maximum efficiency in graph-based computation.
- Performance Enhancement: Develop techniques to reduce inference latency and improve throughput in graph processing models without compromising accuracy or graph analysis capabilities. - Graph Algorithm Optimization: Investigate and implement specialized methods for optimizing graph algorithms, including graph traversal, message passing, neighborhood sampling, and aggregation operations. - Hardware Acceleration: Explore hardware-specific optimizations for various platforms (GPUs, TPUs, CPUs, edge devices) with a focus on irregular memory access patterns, sparse computation, and parallel execution strategies particular to graph processing. - User Experience Metrics: Define and measure user experience metrics related to graph model inference speed and establish benchmarks for real-world graph-based applications.
- Knowledge of mathematical machine learning fundamentals. - Proficiency in at least one graph processing framework (PyG, DGL, GraphScope). - Experience with neural network architectures. - Basic CUDA or triton programming skills are beneficial. - Understanding of memory hierarchies, bandwidth constraints regarding Linux systems. - Programming in Python, C++ or Zig.
Sebastian Baum
This master thesis explores methods for decomposing geometric structures represented as graphs into independent topological units. By identifying natural boundaries within geometric graph structures, these units can be processed separately while maintaining the overall topological integrity.
You will develop algorithms to identify and extract topologically coherent subunits from geometric graphs. These algorithms must preserve critical structural information while allowing independent processing of each unit. One major problem could the stitching of these independent units. You will implement and evaluate reconstruction methods that can generalize from these topological units to more complex structures. The thesis will include theoretical analysis of the approach's mathematical foundations as well as practical demonstrations in application domains such as 3D simulation processing.
- Knowledge of mathematical machine learning fundamentals. - Proficiency in at least one graph processing framework (PyG, DGL, GraphScope). - Experience with neural network architectures. - Programming in Python, C++ or Zig.
Sebastian Baum
Testing of AI-based systems such as autonomous vehicles is challenging due to many situations and scenarios. Brute force is expensive and has gaps, as we see in practice. We thus use synthetic data for an AI-driven testing. This data covers real-world scenarios to train autonomous systems in a simulation-based environment. The training success is evaluated in a data loop and enhanced to close blind spots and unknown knowns. This thesis targets to integrate a requirements and test engine to an automated test system.
The goal of the thesis is to integrate existing parts of the system. A fully running system shall be implemented. The integration comprises verification and validation checks for the existing parts. Professional tools such as DOORS shall be used for industry-scale AI-based testing of autonomous systems.
Knowledge in Python Industry-scale software engineering and tools Work in a self-independent way Passionate about clean and good quality code Capable of integrating your work with other parts of the system
Christof Ebert