Developments in the field of IT make it possible to connect more and more devices (Sensors, Vehicles, buildings, Humans, etc.) to each other via new generation networks. We are confronted with the problem of extracting useful information from all that accumulated data. In other words, mining for knowledge can be quite complicated due to a lack of structure and 'richness' of, and between, different data sources. The development of AVs is facing the same problem that it lacks the data integration in the physical infrastructure into a digital representation of the whole traffic ecosystem on a data model level. 

Taking into account the complexity of computations that AI algorithms for self-driving vehicles have, due to a great amount of sensory inputs and limitations of hardware in CAVs in terms of processing power, external inputs, from V2V and V2I communication, there is a need to develop a linked data model which requires minimum processing, and therefore minimal computational resources. Only in this case, the information provided by various sources will, indeed, be vehicle-friendly. This would be especially important within urban environments, where traffic density is greatest. Considering the trends of electricizing vehicles, future AVs will reshape the energy consumption within the city. With the attention of energy and environmental concerns in urban areas, it is necessary to enable such a linked data model to enable the possibility of valuable information extraction. 

The challenge regarding developing such a model is that data is being streamed from different domains such as transportation, geographic information, energy grid, and buildings. In this project, the PDEng will explore  

1. Which information can and need to be linked to contributing to urban mobility energy usage optimization from both functional and nonfunctional perspectives?
2. How can be physical/static information be extracted from existing city models and interlinked using Semantic Web technologies (SWT)?
3. How can dynamic information from AVs and ITS infrastructure be integrated with information about physical characteristics of traffic infrastructure within the Semantic (Linked) Data Model?

Work on developing the proposed model(s) would have two conceptually separate parts:

1. Development of model-based only on geostationary information (vehicles excluded)
   a.    Creation of base ontology
   b.    Extraction of information from City Models and Maps into semantic data networks based on previously
   designed ontology.
   c.    Incorporation of ICT infrastructure, through already existing standards for representing IoT devices in the form of semantic data
2. Extension of the model and methodologies to incorporate data sources that are not stationary, and therefore, have to be dynamically linked to different nodes depending on their location info and the type of data they are producing.

This PDEng position will tackle the challenge of developing such a digital twin model based on semantic web technology in electric AVs usage, PRC/IoT interactions with infrastructure/smart homes, and ontology/analytics needs. The project is a part of an integrated smart cities digital twin solution. The developed platform's goal is to enable the integration of data from (autonomous) vehicles, IoT devices, and built environments. Based on the linked urban data, we expect to find new opportunities to develop predictive and control models that can be used in mobility-related services in smart cities. 

PDEng program general description 
The Department of the Built Environment of the Eindhoven University of Technology offers you a trainee position to follow a two-year post-master technological designer program, which leads to the degree of 'Professional Doctorate in Engineering' (PDEng). The SBC program consists of two main parts: 

1. Workshops. You will follow technical workshops in which you acquire knowledge concerning important concepts of disciplines other than your own (master) specialism. You will follow these workshops with other SBC trainees (all with different master specialisms). The workshops increase your ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with these other disciplines in multidisciplinary design teams. Furthermore, you will follow workshops on design methods, entrepreneurship and professional skills.
2. Design projects. You will work on a design project with a group of SBC trainees and you will work an individual in-company assignment (see description above). The assignment is a design project in collaboration with a company (KPN in this case) and the university. You work within the company structure (facilities, office desk, computer, and other required equipment are provided by the company). It is your main responsibility to manage and execute the project. You are supported by advisors from the company (KPN in this case) and advisors from the university. A business plan for implementation or marketing of the project or product is part of the final deliverables.

A significant part of the first year of the program is dedicated to the workshops, while the second year is mostly dedicated to the in-company assignment. Nonetheless, you will start working on the in-company assignment from the start of the program. 

Smart Buildings & Cities PDEng program 
The Smart Buildings & Cities PDEng program wants to contribute to the transition towards smart, intelligent, and sustainable cities where quality of life is high. This transition requires new solutions that can only be created through multiscale and transdisciplinary (design) approaches. The transition is a relevant theme for society (as reflected by the Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges formulated by the European Commission), building industry and university (consider the TU/e's Strategic Areas: Energy, Health and Smart Mobility and the TU/e's Smart Cities Program). 

This requires technical designers who are able to work in a multidisciplinary environment and know how to communicate with different disciplines and stakeholders. This PDEng program educates trainees to become those technical designers! Please note that this program is about technological design, i.e., the process of solving problems by means of technological design, this in contrast to (PhD) research, which is the process of understanding problems. 

After the two year program, our trainees become technical designers with a broad technical understanding of  smart cities and related disciplines in the built environment (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, building physics and services and ICT), who excel in their own discipline and who are able to work in multidisciplinary design teams, contribute to designing issues outside their own core disciplines, integrate different technologies into new products and concepts, and who understand the commercial aspects of these innovative products and concepts.

We are looking for

• A highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in Data, Computer Science, Electrical, Transportation Engineering, Building Science, Building, Civil, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering, or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience in linked data engineering are beneficial.
• An interest in data integration, data modeling, IoT, and applications for smart cities.
• An academic attitude in order to develop linked data model for AV and transport system is needed for the future built environment.
• An excellent command of the English language, both in speaking and writing.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with a close relationship to industry.
• A full-time employment for two years.
• To support you during your PDEng and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PDEng trainees.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.