Developments in Reinforcement Data-Driven Modelling for the Development of AI-Based Autonomous Decision Platforms

Abstract

RL is a subset of ML allowing agents to learn from interactions with their surroundings, thereby facilitating autonomous decision-making. Unlike traditional machine learning approaches, RL maximises cumulative rewards through trial-and-error, making it highly effective in sequential decision-making tasks. This paper explores the recent breakthroughs in RL and their implications for machine intelligence, focusing on the integration of deep learning techniques, real-world applications, and key challenges that hinder broader deployment. The research examines the theoretical foundations of RL, including MDPs, value functions, and policy optimization, as well as the concept of exploration vs. exploitation. Notable advancements, such as Deep QLearning along with PGM, have expanded RL’s ability to tackle high-dimensional tasks, including playing complex games like Go and developing autonomous systems in robotics and self-driving vehicles. The paper also presents a detailed analysis of RL algorithms based on performance metrics like learning efficiency, reward maximization, safety, and generalization. It highlights the trade-offs between algorithms, including Q-Learning, Deep Q-Learning, Policy Gradient, Actor-Critic, along with DQN + Experience Replay, based on their effectiveness in specific tasks. Despite its successes, RL faces significant challenges, such as sample inefficiency, generalization to new environments, safety in high-risk applications, and the interpretability of decision-making processes. The article wraps up with a discussion of future research directions, including improving sample efficiency, enhancing generalization, ensuring safety in exploration, and developing more interpretable RL models. Overall, RL holds immense potential for creating intelligent, autonomous systems, but overcoming its current limitations is crucial for its widespread application in realworld environments