mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

Quantum framework for Reinforcement Learning: Integrating Markov decision process, quantum arithmetic, and trajectory search

arXiv 2412.18208 ↗First posted 24 Dec 2024quant-ph cs.LGcited by 3

On the map: Deep reinforcement learning methods → Quantum reinforcement learning

Abstract (arXiv)

This paper introduces a quantum framework for addressing reinforcement learning (RL) tasks, grounded in the quantum principles and leveraging a fully quantum model of the classical Markov decision process (MDP). By employing quantum concepts and a quantum search algorithm, this work presents the implementation and optimization of the agent-environment interactions entirely within the quantum domain, eliminating reliance on classical computations. Key contributions include the quantum-based state transitions, return calculation, and trajectory search mechanism that utilize quantum principles to demonstrate the realization of RL processes through quantum phenomena. The implementation emphasizes the fundamental role of quantum superposition in enhancing computational efficiency for RL tasks. Results demonstrate the capacity of a quantum model to achieve quantum enhancement in RL, highlighting the potential of fully quantum implementations in decision-making tasks. This work not only underscores the applicability of quantum computing in machine learning but also contributes to the field of quantum reinforcement learning (QRL) by offering a robust framework for understanding and exploiting quantum computing in RL systems.

Key facts. Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Quantum reinforcement learning, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods. Builds on 16 of its 43 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 24 Dec 2024.

Builds on

16 of 43 references.

References · 16

  1. 2016Safe, Multi-Agent, Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Drivingcited by 311
  2. 2019Challenges of Real-World Reinforcement Learningcited by 291
  3. 2019Variational Quantum Circuits for Deep Reinforcement Learningcited by 167
  4. 2021Parametrized quantum policies for reinforcement learningcited by 90
  5. 2016Quantum-enhanced machine learningcited by 79
  6. 2020Reinforcement Learning with Quantum Variational Circuitscited by 77
  7. 2020Quantum reinforcement learning in continuous action spacecited by 29
  8. 2021Quantum Algorithms for Reinforcement Learning with a Generative Modelcited by 24
  9. 2021Introduction to Quantum Reinforcement Learning: Theory and PennyLane-based Implementationcited by 23
  10. 2022Quantum Policy Iteration via Amplitude Estimation and Grover Search -- Towards Quantum Advantage for Reinforcement Learningcited by 21
  11. 2021Deep Reinforcement Learning with Quantum-inspired Experience Replaycited by 19
  12. 2022Quantum Reinforcement Learning via Policy Iterationcited by 19
4 more
  1. 2021Variational Quantum Soft Actor-Criticcited by 15
  2. 2022Policy Gradients using Variational Quantum Circuitscited by 15
  3. 2020Intelligent Trajectory Planning in UAV-mounted Wireless Networks: A Quantum-Inspired Reinforcement Learning Perspectivecited by 6
  4. 2022Quantum bandit with amplitude amplification exploration in an adversarial environmentcited by 5

Built on by

Cited by year (2026 to 14 Oct)

Citing papers per year: 2025: 1; 2026: 2.

3 papers.

  1. 2025Scalable Quantum Reinforcement Learning on NISQ Devices with Dynamic-Circuit Qubit Reuse and Grover Optimizationcited by 1
  2. 2026From Classical to Quantum Reinforcement Learning and Its Applications in Quantum Control: A Beginner's Tutorialcited by 0
  3. 2026Do Quantum AIs Dream in Paths? Path-Integral Slow Thinking through Grover Interferencecited by 0

Similar, not cited

Close in wording, no citation either way

  1. 2024An Introduction to Quantum Reinforcement Learning (QRL)
  2. 2026Reinforcement Learning for Quantum Technology
  3. 2026Improved Quantum Algorithms for Reinforcement Learning Under a Generative Model
  4. 2025Quantum Bayesian Networks Can Speed up Reinforcement Learning in Partially Observable Environments
  5. 2025From Classical Data to Quantum Advantage -- Quantum Policy Evaluation on Quantum Hardware
  6. 2025Q-Policy: Quantum-Enhanced Policy Evaluation for Scalable Reinforcement Learning
  7. 2026QnRL: Quantum-Native Reinforcement Learning
  8. 2025Benchmarking Quantum Reinforcement Learning