Human-Machine Interaction Research Intern

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, AI Robotic systems, Human Computer Interaction- HCI, Large Language Models - LLMs, Machine learning techniques

Job Description

At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team in Robotics, Human-Centered AI, Human Interactive Driving, and Energy & Materials.

Our work is guided by a dedication to safety – in how we research, develop, and validate the performance of technology to benefit society. As a subsidiary of Toyota, TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people who carry invaluable leadership, experience, and ideas from industry-leading companies.

We strive to build a company that helps our people thrive, achieve work-life balance, and bring their best selves to work. At TRI, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds ‒ a fun start-up environment with brilliant people who enjoy solving global problems and the financial backing to successfully achieve our goals.

This is a Summer 2024 paid 12-week internship opportunity. Please note that this internship will be a hybrid in-office role.

The Team

In the Human-Machine Interaction Research group (HMIR), we design, develop and evaluate novel interfaces to improve the safety, well-being, and performance of drivers using human-centered artificial intelligence. We use the design thinking process to place the human at the center of determining the needs, design, and implementation of human-machine interfaces. By following this process, the HMIR team creates automotive HMI technologies that allow humans of any ability to work in harmony with AI.

The Internship

As a Research Intern, you will work on a project focused on improving driving safety and performance through the development of innovative human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for a research vehicle. You will have the opportunity to design, implement, and test HMI prototypes using a driving motion simulator, research vehicles, or bench top prototypes. Further, you will have the opportunity to develop HMIs in augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) in addition to interactions involving large language models (LLMs).

The ideal candidate should have experience in implementing and testing HMIs and should be pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field. Experience with ROS2 is a plus. You will work with a strong team of researchers, and the expected outcome is to have a publication at a human-computer interaction journal/conference. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing HMIs for a research vehicle, working closely with the research team to design, implement, and test innovative solutions to improve driving safety and performance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, implementation, and testing of HMIs for our research vehicle or other platforms
• Conduct user studies to evaluate HMIs
• Collaborate with the engineering team to implement and test HMIs on research vehicles
• Contribute to the development of new technologies and features that enhance the experience of driver training
• Document and present findings and results, both internally and at top international venues

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Robotics, Human Factors Engineering, or related fields
• Experience designing and running experiments with human subjects
• Available for monthly travel (3-4 days) for testing HMIs at a race track
• Able to work from the Los Altos, California office for the duration of the internship
• Experience with machine learning is a plus
• Knowledge of research vehicles or wheeled robots is a plus
• Experience with AR/VR, LLMs, or data visualization is a plus

Please add a link to Google Scholar and include a full list of publications when submitting your CV to this position.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $45 and $65/hour for California-based roles; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Note that TRI offers a generous benefits package including vacation and sick time. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.