Imitation and Reinforcement Learning

In this article, we present both novel learning algorithms and experiments using the dynamical system MPs. As such, we describe this MP representation in a way that it is straightforward to reproduce. We review an appropriate imitation learning method, i.e., locally weighted regression, and show how this method can be used both for initializing RL tasks as well as for modifying the start-up phase in a rhythmic task. We also show our current best-suited RL algorithm for this framework, i.e., PoWER. We present two complex motor tasks, i.e., ball-in-a-cup and ball paddling, learned on a real, physical Barrett WAM, using the methods presented in this article. Of particular interest is the ball-paddling application, as it requires a combination of both rhythmic and discrete dynamical systems MPs during the start-up phase to achieve a particular task.