Neural network technology encompasses a class of methodswhich attempt to mimic the basic structures used in thebrain for information processing. Thetechnology is aimed atproblems such as pattern recognition which are difficult fortraditional computational methods. Neural networks havepotential applications in many industrial areas such asadvanced robotics, operations research, and processengineering.This book is concerned with the application of neuralnetwork technology to real industrial problems. Itsummarizes a three-year collaborative international projectcalled ANNIE (Applications of Neural Networks for Industryin Europe) which was jointly funded by industry and theEuropean Commission within the ESPRIT programme. As a recordof a working project, the book gives an insight into thereal problems faced in taking a new technology from theworkbench into a live industrial application, and shows justhow it can be achieved. It stresses the comparison betweenneural networks and conventional approaches. Even thenon-specialist reader will benefit from understanding thelimitations as well as the advantages of the new technology.
