An information-processing device that consists of a large number of simple nonlinear processing modules, connected by elements that have information storage and programming functions. The field of neural networks is an emerging technology in the area of machine information processing and decision making. This technology makes extensive use of the terminology and methods of artificial intelligence. The main thrusts are toward highly innovative machine and algorithmic architectures, radically different from those that have been employed in conventional digital computers, and toward overcoming the major technological shortcomings and inherent limitations imposed by the traditional information-processing machines. The information-processing elements and components of neural networks, inspired by neuroscientific studies of the structure and function of the human brain, are conceptually simple. Three broad categories of neural-network architectures have been formulated which exhibit highly complex information-processing capabilities. Several generic models have been advanced which offer distinct advantages over traditional digital-computer implementation. Neural networks have created an unusual amount of interest in the engineering and industrial communities by opening up new research directions and commercial and military applications.