Applications of neural network in manufacturing

Abstract

A neural network is a model of the brains's cognitive process. Neural networks originated as models of how the brain works and research has its beginnings in psychology. Today neural network methods are being used to solve numerous problems associated with manufacturing operations. A review of neural network applications to problems in production and operations management is presented. Applications reviewed in the paper include character, image and pattern recognition, managerial decision making, manufacturing cell design, tool condition monitoring, real-time robot scheduling and statistical process control. Methods and structures of neural networks are explained.