Review of Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Textiles and Clothing Industries over Last Decades

Abstract

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is an information processing paradigm that is inspired by the way biological nervous systems, such as the brain, process information. The key element of this paradigm is the novel structure of the information processing system. It is composed of a large number of highly interconnected processing elements (neurones) working in unison to solve specific problems. ANNs, like people, learn by example. An ANN is configured for a specific application, such as pattern recognition or data classification, through a learning process. Learning in biological systems involves adjustments to the synaptic connections that exist between the neurones. The ANN has recently been applied in process control, identification, diagnostics, character recognition, sensory prediction, robot vision, and forecasting. In Textiles and Clothing industries, it involves the interaction of a large number of variables. Because of the high degree of variability in raw materials, multistage processing and a lack of precise control on process parameters, the relation between such variables and the product properties is relied on the human knowledge but it is not possible for human being to remember all the details of the process-related data over the years. As the computing power has substantially improved over last decade, the ANN is able to learn such datasets to reveal the unknown relation between various variables effectively. Therefore, the application of ANN is more widespread in textiles and clothing industries over last decade. In this chapter, it aims to review current application of ANN in textiles and clothing industries over last decade. Based on literature reviews, the challenges encountered by ANN used in the industries will be discussed and the potential future application of ANN in the industries will also be addressed. The structure of this chapter comprises of seven sections. The first section includes background of ANN, importance of ANN in textiles and clothing and the arrangement of this chapter. In forthcoming three sections, they include review of applications of ANN in fibres and yarns, in chemical processing, and in clothing over last decade. Afterwards, challenges encountered by ANN used in textiles and clothing industries will be discussed and potential future application of ANN in textiles and clothing industries will be addressed in last section.