  We use artificial neural networks to parameterize the shape functions in
inclusive semileptonic $B$ decays without charm. Our approach avoids the
adoption of functional form models and allows for a straightforward
implementation of all experimental and theoretical constraints on the shape
functions. The results are used to extract $|V_{ub}|$ in the GGOU framework and
compared with the original GGOU paper and the latest HFAG results, finding good
agreement in both cases. The possible impact of future Belle-II data on the
$M_X$ distribution is also discussed.
