An intelligent framework for modelling and simulation of artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on augmented reality

The digitalization of industry is targeting at the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing systems, for delivering intelligent machinery. Although AI seems a long-term target, similar enabling technologies such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been introduced. Despite that ANNs are inspired by the human brain’s functioning, understanding how they work and training them is a challenging task, requiring engineers with advanced math and coding skills. On the contrary, augmented reality (AR) is a cutting-edge digital technology, enabling the registration of 3D content on the physical environment, thus enhancing user’s perception in a growing variety of scientific fields. Therefore, this research work aims at the design and development of an AR-based framework that facilitates the conceptualization of an ANN through AR, assists engineers train efficient ANN and moreover share knowledge through suitable communication channels. Finally, the framework can handle datasets with the use of cloud services.