Systems and methods are disclosed for applying neural networks in resource-constrained environments. A system may include a sensor located in a resource-constrained environment configured to generate first sensor data and second sensor data of the resource-constrained environment. The system may also include a first computing device not located in the resource-constrained environment configured to produce a neural network structure based on the first sensor data. The system may also include a second computing device configured to determine a state of the resource-constrained environment based on input of the second sensor data to the neural network structure. The system may also include a controller located in the resource-constrained environment configured to control a device in the resource-constrained environment based on the state of the resource-constrained environment determined by the second computing device. The second computing device may be further configured to calculate an activation area for the neural network structure.