Enhancing Interpretability in Deep Reinforcement Learning through Semantic Clustering
On the map: Deep reinforcement learning methods → Interpretable and logic-guided RL
Abstract (arXiv)
In this paper, we explore semantic clustering properties of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to improve its interpretability and deepen our understanding of its internal semantic organization. In this context, semantic clustering refers to the ability of neural networks to cluster inputs based on their semantic similarity in the feature space. We propose a DRL architecture that incorporates a novel semantic clustering module that combines feature dimensionality reduction with online clustering. This module integrates seamlessly into the DRL training pipeline, addressing the instability of t-SNE and eliminating the need for extensive manual annotation inherent to prior semantic analysis methods. We experimentally validate the effectiveness of the proposed module and demonstrate its ability to reveal semantic clustering properties within DRL. Furthermore, we introduce new analytical methods based on these properties to provide insights into the hierarchical structure of policies and semantic organization within the feature space. Our code is available at https://github.com/ualiangzhang/semantic_rl.
Key facts. Cited by 1 paper in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Interpretable and logic-guided RL, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods. Builds on 24 of its 44 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 25 Sep 2024.
Builds on
24 of 44 references.
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 1.
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- 2025A Survey on Explainable Deep Reinforcement Learning
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