# A Concise Introduction to Reinforcement Learning in Robotics

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.07397 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.07397/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 5 of its 11 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 13 Oct 2022.

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Proximal Policy Optimization Algorithms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1707.06347/) (2017)
- [Trust Region Policy Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1502.05477/) (2015)
- [Deep Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Manipulation with Asynchronous Off-Policy Updates](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1610.00633/) (2016)
- [Learning by Playing - Solving Sparse Reward Tasks from Scratch](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1802.10567/) (2018)
- [Setting up a Reinforcement Learning Task with a Real-World Robot](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1803.07067/) (2018)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Parallel Automatic History Matching Algorithm Using Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.07434/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

One of the biggest hurdles robotics faces is the facet of sophisticated and hard-to-engineer behaviors. Reinforcement learning offers a set of tools, and a framework to address this problem. In parallel, the misgivings of robotics offer a solid testing ground and evaluation metric for advancements in reinforcement learning. The two disciplines go hand-in-hand, much like the fields of Mathematics and Physics. By means of this survey paper, we aim to invigorate links between the research communities of the two disciplines by focusing on the work done in reinforcement learning for locomotive and control aspects of robotics. Additionally, we aim to highlight not only the notable successes but also the key challenges of the application of Reinforcement Learning in Robotics. This paper aims to serve as a reference guide for researchers in reinforcement learning applied to the field of robotics. The literature survey is at a fairly introductory level, aimed at aspiring researchers. Appropriately, we have covered the most essential concepts required for research in the field of reinforcement learning, with robotics in mind. Through a thorough analysis of this problem, we are able to manifest how reinforcement learning could be applied profitably, and also focus on open-ended questions, as well as the potential for future research.