Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Machine Learning
2.1.
Example
2.2.
Application of Machine Learning
2.3.
Future Scope of Machine Learning
2.3.1.
Automotive industry
2.3.2.
Robotics
3.
Neural networks
3.1.
Applications of Neural Networks
3.2.
Future and Scope of Neural Networks
3.3.
Usage of Neural Networks in various career paths
4.
Machine Learning vs Neural Networks
5.
Frequently asked questions
5.1.
What is Machine learning?
5.2.
What are Neural Networks?
5.3.
What is the use of Neural Networks?
5.4.
What is the use of Machine learning?
5.5.
What is the difference between Machine Learning and Neural Networks?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Machine Learning vs Neural Networks

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Introduction

Machine learning is the subdomain of artificial intelligence, where the main aim is to build systems that can automate tasks and thus reduce human efforts. On the other hand, neural networks are an AI method that directs how systems process data, just like the human brain. 

Machine Learning vs Neural Networks

In the article, ‘Machine Learning vs Neural Networks’, we will discuss the key differences between Machine Learning and Neural Networks. We will also discuss their future scope and application.

Machine Learning

Machine Learning is a subdomain of AI (artificial intelligence) that involves developing models that can automate tasks and learn from experiences without any human intervention. Machine learning works by providing the model with massive datasets. From this dataset, the model analysis essential patterns to make decisions and predictions.

Example

Let's take a real-world example to understand Machine Learning. Assume you have a friend who has never seen a cat before, so in order to teach your friend what a cat looks like, you show them pictures and instruct them that ‘these are cats’. Therefore, after analysing these examples and their features, your friend now understands what a cat looks like, i.e., an animal that has four legs, a tail, etc.  

Machine learning works in a similar wayIn this example, the pictures can be referred to as the ‘dataset’ that is analysed by the system in order to make decisions by analysing patterns.
Recommended read- Types of Machine Learning

Application of Machine Learning

You must have heard of an application called ‘Upstox’, that is used for investing money. Using it, we can make investments within seconds. The application uses Machine Learning to predict the possibilities in the stock market. Machine learning algorithms are used to provide us with features like security, providing real-time information, and stock predictions.  

Applications of Machine Learning

Future Scope of Machine Learning

Machine Learning is a growing field that has expanded across fields such as finance, banking, media, entertainment, the automotive industry, etc. Though there is a very high scope in machine learning, researchers are still working towards enhancing its use in revolutionising the digital space.

Automotive industry

Machine learning is widely used in the automotive industry. Companies such as Tesla, Nissan, and Mercedez have invested huge amounts in machine learning. Tesla is known to be the best in the race. Machine learning is used to build these self-driving cars.

Robotics

Sophia was the first AI robot created by Hanson Robotics. Machine learning, neural networks, and artificial intelligence were the main components in its successful development. They are used to build robots that can imitate a human brain.

Robotics and Machine Learning

Recommended read- Data Science VS Artificial Intelligence VS Machine Learning VS Deep Learning 

Neural networks

‘Neural Networks’, as the name suggests, are inspired by the human brain. Just like how neurons in our brain signal one another, a neural network consists of nodes containing particular information. Neural networks are the subset of machine learning that process complex data and are the heart of deep learning algorithms.

You may think of ‘neural networks’ as interconnected units that work together to solve a problem, where each small unit (node) contains information, and that particular information is passed on to the other unit. They accept vast amounts of data that could be text, images, etc., and further analyse it to recognise patterns and then make predictions accordingly. They are dependent on data for improving accuracy.

Applications of Neural Networks

There are many applications of neural networks, such as:

  • Facial recognition 
    Neural networks are used in face recognition systems for analysing facial features and identifying a person. They are used in workplaces, mobile phones, etc, for security purposes.
     
  • Stock Market Predictions
    Neural networks are used to predict future possibilities in the stock market. ‘Long Short-Term Memory’ and ‘Recurrent Neural Networks’ are widely used in stock market predictions.
     
  • Aerospace
    In aerospace, ‘time delay neural networks’ are used for recognising features regardless of their spatial position. 
     
  • Defence
    In Defence, ‘convolutional neural networks’ are used to know whether any ‘mine’ is present underwater. Neural networks are used in arm attack analysis, air patrols, maritime patrols, and object locating.

Future and Scope of Neural Networks

Neural Networks will continue to prevail in the digital space. Researchers have come a long way from building robots to self-driving cars, and still, there is much more to explore and revolutionise. 

Self-driving cars like Tesla use neural networks to determine a vehicle's surroundings so that the car can plan the path and navigate accordingly. 

From banking to doctor visits and defence to aerospace, neural networks have made things much more manageable.

Usage of Neural Networks in various career paths

Neural networks are used in various career paths, such as:
 

  • Test Engineers: Test engineers use neural networks for building an automated testing system. 
     
  • Research Scientist: Scientists use neural networks to analyse their data and for prediction analysis. Neural networks also help in improving the essential functions of a particular task.
     
  • Applied Scientist: Applied scientists prefer using neural networks to help businesses improve their business outcomes. Neural networks help in enhancing customer satisfaction, thus increasing output. They are also used in fraud detection.
     
  • Data Engineer: Data engineers use neural networks to build models for data extraction.
     
  • Software Engineer: Software engineers prefer using neural networks to develop models that can handle vast amounts of data and perform the necessary functions. 
     

Recommended read- Artificial Neural Networks - ANN and Ensemble Learning

Machine Learning vs Neural Networks

Basis

Machine Learning

Neural Networks

Definition

Machine Learning is a subdomain of AI (artificial intelligence) that involves developing models that can automate tasks and learn from experiences without any human intervention.  Neural networks are the subdomain of machine learning that process complex data inspired by the human brain.

Learning Technique

In machine learning, the learning process occurs from experiences and by performing analysis. In neutral networks ‘backpropagation’ process is used for learning purposes.

Complexity

Compared to neural networks, machine learning models are less complex. Neural network models are very complex with complex architecture.

Challenges

Data quality, bias, model complexity, privacy, accountability. Computational resources, overfitting, transfer learning, imbalance.

Basis of decision

Data analysis and past experiences form the basis of the decision. Neural networks make decisions by arranging the algorithms such that the models can make decisions more reliably.

Uses

Image recognition, recommendation systems, predictions, NLP, etc. Healthcare, speech and image recognition, automatic vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What is Machine learning?

Machine Learning is a subdomain of AI (artificial intelligence) that involves developing models that can automate tasks and learn from experiences without any human intervention.

What are Neural Networks?

Neural networks are the subset of machine learning that process complex data inspired by the human brain. In neutral networks ‘backpropagation’ process is used for learning purposes.

What is the use of Neural Networks?

Neural Networks are used in healthcare, speech and image recognition, and automatic vehicles.

What is the use of Machine learning?

Machine learning is used in Image recognition, recommendation systems, predictions, NLP, etc.

What is the difference between Machine Learning and Neural Networks?

Data analysis and past experiences form the basis of the decision in machine learning. On the other hand, the decisions in Neural networks are made by arranging the algorithms such that the models can make decisions more reliably.

Conclusion

In the article, ‘machine learning vs neural networks’, we have discussed some of the key differences between them. We have discussed how decisions are made in both of them and discussed their difference in tabular form. To enhance your knowledge about machine learning and neural networks, refer to the articles below.

You can also consider our Machine Learning Course to give your career an edge over others.

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