Reinforcement Learning In A Nutshell

Reinforcement Learning In A Nutshell
reinforcement-learning

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a subset of machine learning where an AI-driven system (often referred to as an agent) learns via trial and error.

Understanding reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning is a technique in machine learning where an agent can learn in an interactive environment from trial and error. In essence, the agent learns from its mistakes based on feedback from its own actions and experiences.

Reinforcement learning is similar to supervised learning in that both approaches map an input variable to an output variable. Unlike supervised learning, which provides feedback in the form of a correct set of actions, reinforcement learning uses rewards and punishments as feedback for positive and negative behavior. 

To understand why an agent would be subject to rewards and punishments, note that the objective of reinforcement learning is to discover an action model that maximizes the total cumulative reward of the agent.

Positive and negative reinforcement in RL

What constitutes positive and negative reinforcement, exactly? Let’s have a look.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an event that occurs in response to a behavior that increases its frequency and strength. That is, when the agent performs the correct action, it receives positive feedback or a positive reward.

Positive reinforcement maximizes agent performance and sustains change for a longer period. It is thus the most common type of reinforcement used.

Negative reinforcement

In the context of training a model, negative reinforcement is used to maintain a minimum performance standard as opposed to enabling the model to maximize its performance.

Negative reinforcement is used to keep the model away from undesirable action. However, this approach does not encourage the model to seek out more desirable actions.

The basic elements of reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning can be illustrated with a simple diagram that demonstrates the action-reward feedback loop. The diagram contains the following annotations and key terms:

  1. Environment – the world in which the agent lives, interacts, and receives feedback.
  2. Action – the set of all moves an agent can potentially make.
  3. Reward – feedback from the environment for actions that lead to a successful state.
  4. State – the current situation of the agent in their environment. It can be a specific moment or a specific position.
  5. Policy – the policy defines the strategy the agent will use to pursue its objectives based on the current state. The agent maps actions to states to determine which action has the highest reward, and
  6. Value function – the reward an agent would receive if it undertook an action in a particular state. In other words, how favorable is a certain state for the agent?
Reinforcement learning applications

To conclude, we’ve detailed two examples of how reinforcement learning is applied in the real world.

Robotics 

RL is used in robotics to create adaptive control systems that learn from their own behavior experiences. 

There is also promise that the technique can overcome the curse of dimensionality, a problem robots experience in three-dimensional environments where they have less data to make decisions as the volume of the space increases.

Industrial automation 

Industrial automation is another application with potential.

DeepMind has used reinforcement learning technologies to help Google reduce the energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in its data centers. 

Microsoft’s Bonsai is another project that offers low-code, AI-powered automation to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize process variables. One example is the use of artificial intelligence to replace skilled human operators on tuning machines and other equipment.

Key takeaways
  • Reinforcement learning (RL) is a subset of machine learning where an AI-driven system (often referred to as an agent) learns via trial and error.
  • Unlike supervised learning, which provides feedback in the form of a correct set of actions, reinforcement learning uses rewards and punishments as feedback for positive and negative behavior.
  • Two of the major applications of reinforcement learning are robotics and automation. In the case of the latter, it is seen as an effective way to reduce operational inefficiencies and downtime.
Connected AI Concepts

AGI

artificial-intelligence-vs-machine-learningGeneralized AI consists of devices or systems that can handle all sorts of tasks on their own. The extension of generalized AI eventually led to the development of Machine learning. As an extension to AI, Machine Learning (ML) analyzes a series of computer algorithms to create a program that automates actions. Without explicitly programming actions, systems can learn and improve the overall experience. It explores large sets of data to find common patterns and formulate analytical models through learning.

Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

deep-learning-vs-machine-learningMachine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence where algorithms parse data, learn from experience, and make better decisions in the future. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning where numerous algorithms are structured into layers to create artificial neural networks (ANNs). These networks can solve complex problems and allow the machine to train itself to perform a task.

DevOps

devops-engineeringDevOps refers to a series of practices performed to perform automated software development processes. It is a conjugation of the term “development” and “operations” to emphasize how functions integrate across IT teams. DevOps strategies promote seamless building, testing, and deployment of products. It aims to bridge a gap between development and operations teams to streamline the development altogether.

AIOps

aiopsAIOps is the application of artificial intelligence to IT operations. It has become particularly useful for modern IT management in hybridized, distributed, and dynamic environments. AIOps has become a key operational component of modern digital-based organizations, built around software and algorithms.

Machine Learning Ops

mlopsMachine Learning Ops (MLOps) describes a suite of best practices that successfully help a business run artificial intelligence. It consists of the skills, workflows, and processes to create, run, and maintain machine learning models to help various operational processes within organizations.

OpenAI Organizational Structure



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