Neural Networks Applied in Manufacturing and Design

A special issue of Machines (ISSN 2075-1702). This special issue belongs to the section "Machines Testing and Maintenance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1768

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: electrical engineering; renewable energies; data science, and optimization applied to energy management; electrical equipment diagnosis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Artificial neural networks have revolutionized manufacturing and design by enabling more efficient, accurate, and innovative processes. In the manufacturing industry, neural networks play a pivotal role in predictive maintenance, wherein they analyze data from machinery to anticipate malfunctions before their occurrence, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance expenses. They also enhance quality control by identifying defects in products with high precision. This ensures consistent quality and reduces waste.

In design, neural networks facilitate the creation of optimized parts of machines by analyzing vast amounts of process-related data to orient their improvement or design. They can quickly simulate and evaluate numerous design variations, leading to more efficient and effective machine development cycles. This capability is particularly important in industries like automotive and aerospace, where design precision and innovation are critical. In addition, applications are increasingly located in more demanding environments.

We must not forget that neural networks enhance energy efficiency by optimizing production processes, resulting in significant cost reductions and environmental advantages. They also improve supply chain management by predicting demand and optimizing inventory levels, improving overall operational efficiency.

This Special Issue welcomes proposals or applications related to neural networks in the context of manufacturing and design for improving productivity and quality and driving innovation and sustainability since they are indispensable tools in modern practices where industrial machines are the core part of the process.

Dr. Ignacio Martin-Diaz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • predictive maintenance
  • quality control
  • process optimization
  • defect detection
  • machine design

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2376 KB  
Article
ANN-Based Performance Modeling of a Solar Air Collector with Varying Absorber Surfaces
by Filiz Ozgen, Zeynep Bala Duranay, Ayse Dayan and Hanifi Güldemir
Machines 2025, 13(9), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13090812 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
In this study, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach was employed to predict the outlet air temperature and thermal efficiency of a solar air collector equipped with porous absorber surfaces. The experimental data used for model development were obtained from a custom-built solar [...] Read more.
In this study, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach was employed to predict the outlet air temperature and thermal efficiency of a solar air collector equipped with porous absorber surfaces. The experimental data used for model development were obtained from a custom-built solar air collector whose absorber surface was constructed using porous metallic scourers. Three different absorber surface configurations were tested under varying operating conditions. The dataset included measurements of inlet air temperature, solar irradiance, air mass flow rate, and surface temperatures recorded at four distinct points on the absorber. Corresponding outlet air temperatures and thermal efficiency values were also determined experimentally. ANN models were trained using this dataset, and the prediction results were graphically compared with experimental outcomes for all three surface types. To further evaluate the model’s performance, test data were utilized, and the results were assessed using the correlation coefficient (R) and mean squared error (MSE) metrics. The ANN model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, yielding an R value of 0.99987 and an MSE of 0.0901. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Networks Applied in Manufacturing and Design)
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Review

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29 pages, 3542 KB  
Review
Digital Twins, AI, and Cybersecurity in Additive Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review of Current Trends and Challenges
by Md Sazol Ahmmed, Laraib Khan, Muhammad Arif Mahmood and Frank Liou
Machines 2025, 13(8), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13080691 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1197
Abstract
The development of Industry 4.0 has accelerated the adoption of sophisticated technologies, including Digital Twins (DTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity, within Additive Manufacturing (AM). Enabling real-time monitoring, process optimization, predictive maintenance, and secure data management can redefine conventional manufacturing paradigms. Although their [...] Read more.
The development of Industry 4.0 has accelerated the adoption of sophisticated technologies, including Digital Twins (DTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity, within Additive Manufacturing (AM). Enabling real-time monitoring, process optimization, predictive maintenance, and secure data management can redefine conventional manufacturing paradigms. Although their individual importance is increasing, a consistent understanding of how these technologies interact and collectively improve AM procedures is lacking. Focusing on the integration of digital twins (DTs), modular AI, and cybersecurity in AM, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of over 137 research publications from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The publications are categorized into three thematic groups, followed by an analysis of key findings. Finally, the study identifies research gaps and proposes detailed recommendations along with a framework for future research. The study reveals that traditional AM processes have undergone significant transformations driven by digital threads, digital threads (DTs), and AI. However, this digitalization introduces vulnerabilities, leaving AM systems prone to cyber-physical attacks. Emerging advancements in AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Blockchain present promising solutions to mitigate these challenges. This paper is among the first to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the advancements in AM, emphasizing the integration of DTs, Modular AI, and cybersecurity strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Networks Applied in Manufacturing and Design)
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