Exploring Parameter Space in Reinforcement Learning

Abstract This paper discusses parameter-based exploration methods for reinforcement learning. Parameter-based methods perturb parameters of a general function approximator directly, rather than adding noise to the resulting actions. Parameter-based exploration unifies reinforcement learning and black-box optimization, and has several advantages over action perturbation. We review two recent parameter-exploring algorithms: Natural Evolution Strategies and Policy Gradients with Parameter-Based Exploration. Both outperform state-of-the-art algorithms in several complex high-dimensional tasks commonly found in robot control. Furthermore, we describe how a novel exploration method, State-Dependent Exploration, can modify existing algorithms to mimic exploration in parameter space.