ABSTRACT
Analysis of research literature shows increasing interest in intelligent techniques, which have become one of the major research areas in drying technologies. Quick progress in digital technologies and software makes artificial intelligence (AI) suitable and beneficial for most of existing drying technologies. It is expected that future research and development of AI applications in drying technologies will be focused mostly in three areas: computer-aided intelligent observers, computer-aided intelligent controllers, and machine learning and optimization. Intelligent observers are a prerequisite for intelligent controllers. They provide unique interpretations of dynamic situations with respect to control goals. Intelligent controllers will emulate human abilities such as adaptation and learning, planning under large uncertainty, and coping with large amounts of data in order to effectively control complex drying processes. Machine learning is the process of analyzing, organizing, and converting data into a flow of knowledge, essential for adaptation to a wide variety of unexpected changes.
