Control of Magnetic Manipulator Using Reinforcement Learning Based on Incrementally Adapted Local Linear Models

Martin Brablc*, Jan Žegklitz, Robert Grepl, Robert Babuška

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Reinforcement learning (RL) agents can learn to control a nonlinear system without using a model of the system. However, having a model brings benefits, mainly in terms of a reduced number of unsuccessful trials before achieving acceptable control performance. Several modelling approaches have been used in the RL domain, such as neural networks, local linear regression, or Gaussian processes. In this article, we focus on techniques that have not been used much so far: symbolic regression (SR), based on genetic programming and local modelling. Using measured data, symbolic regression yields a nonlinear, continuous-time analytic model. We benchmark two state-of-the-art methods, SNGP (single-node genetic programming) and MGGP (multigene genetic programming), against a standard incremental local regression method called RFWR (receptive field weighted regression). We have introduced modifications to the RFWR algorithm to better suit the low-dimensional continuous-time systems we are mostly dealing with. The benchmark is a nonlinear, dynamic magnetic manipulation system. The results show that using the RL framework and a suitable approximation method, it is possible to design a stable controller of such a complex system without the necessity of any haphazard learning. While all of the approximation methods were successful, MGGP achieved the best results at the cost of higher computational complexity. Index Terms-AI-based methods, local linear regression, nonlinear systems, magnetic manipulation, model learning for control, optimal control, reinforcement learning, symbolic regression.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6617309
Number of pages12
JournalComplexity
Volume2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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