Continuous Value Iteration (CVI) Reinforcement Learning and Imaginary Experience Replay (IER) for learning multi-goal, continuous action and state space controllers

Abstract

This paper presents a novel model-free Reinforcement Learning algorithm for learning behavior in continuous action, state, and goal spaces. The algorithm approximates optimal value functions using non-parametric estimators. It is able to efficiently learn to reach multiple arbitrary goals in deterministic and nondeterministic environments. To improve generalization in the goal space, we propose a novel sample augmentation technique. Using these methods, robots learn faster and overall better controllers. We benchmark the proposed algorithms using simulation and a real-world voltage controlled robot that learns to maneuver in a non-observable Cartesian task space.

Published in 2019 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 20-24 May 2019