Neural networks, with their remarkable ability to derive meaning from complicated or imprecise data,
can be used to extract patterns and detect trends that are too complex to be noticed by either humans or
other computer techniques. A trained neural network can be thought of as an "expert" in the category of
information it has been given to analyze. This expert can then be used to provide projections given new
situations of interest and answer "what if" questions.
Other advantages include:
1. Adaptive learning: An ability to learn how to do tasks based on the data given for training or
initial experience.
2. Self-Organization: An ANN can create its own organization or representation of the information
it receives during learning time.
3. Real Time Operation: ANN computations may be carried out in parallel, and special hardware
devices are being designed and manufactured which take advantage of this capability.
4. Fault Tolerance via Redundant Information Coding: Partial destruction of a network leads to the
corresponding degradation of performance. However, some network capabilities may be retained
even with major network damage.