Generalized Populationbased Training For Hyperparameter Optimization In Reinforcement Learning

# Generalized Population-Based Training for Hyperparameter Optimization in Reinforcement Learning

**arXiv ID:** 2404.08233
**Authors:** Hui Bai, Ran Cheng
**Published:** 2024-04-12T04:23:20Z
**Abstract:**
Hyperparameter optimization plays a key role in the machine learning domain. Its significance is especially pronounced in reinforcement learning (RL), where agents continuously interact with and adapt to their environments, requiring dynamic adjustments in their learning trajectories. To cater to this dynamicity, the Population-Based Training (PBT) was introduced, leveraging the collective intelligence of a population of agents learning simultaneously. However, PBT tends to favor high-performing agents, potentially neglecting the explorative potential of agents on the brink of significant advancements. To mitigate the limitations of PBT, we present the Generalized Population-Based Training (GPBT), a refined framework designed for enhanced granularity and flexibility in hyperparameter adaptation. Complementing GPBT, we further introduce Pairwise Learning (PL). Instead of merely focusing on elite agents, PL employs a comprehensive pairwise strategy to identify performance differentials and provide holistic guidance to underperforming agents. By integrating the capabilities of GPBT and PL, our approach significantly improves upon traditional PBT in terms of adaptability and computational efficiency. Rigorous empirical evaluations across a range of RL benchmarks confirm that our approach consistently outperforms not only the conventional PBT but also its Bayesian-optimized variant.

## Skill Description

This skill is generated from the arXiv paper: Generalized Population-Based Training for Hyperparameter Optimization in Reinforcement Learning (2404.08233).

## How to Use

[To be filled in by the user or by future automation]

## References

- [arXiv:2404.08233](http://arxiv.org/abs/2404.08233v2)