Scalable Quantum Reinforcement Learning on NISQ Devices with Dynamic-Circuit Qubit Reuse and Grover Optimization
On the map: Deep reinforcement learning methods → Quantum reinforcement learning
Abstract (arXiv)
A scalable and resource-efficient quantum reinforcement learning framework is presented that eliminates the linear qubit-scaling barrier in multi-step quantum Markov decision processes (QMDPs). The proposed framework integrates a QMDP formulation, dynamic-circuit execution, and Grover-based amplitude amplification into a unified quantum-native architecture. Environment dynamics are encoded entirely within quantum Hilbert space, enabling coherent superposition over state-action sequences and a direct quantum agent-environment interface without intermediate quantum-to-classical conversion. The central contribution is a dynamic execution model for multi-step QMDPs that employs mid-circuit measurement and reset to recycle a fixed physical quantum register across sequential interactions. This approach preserves trajectory fidelity relative to a static unrolled QMDP, generating identical state-action sequences while reducing the physical qubit requirement from 7xT to a constant 7, independent of the interaction horizon T. Thus, the qubit complexity of multi-step QMDPs is transformed from O(T) to O(1) while maintaining functional equivalence at the level of trajectory generation. Trajectory returns are evaluated via quantum arithmetic, and high-return trajectories are marked and amplified using amplitude amplification to increase their sampling probability. Simulations confirm preservation of trajectory fidelity with a 66% qubit reduction compared to a static design. Experimental execution on an IBM Heron-class processor demonstrates feasibility on noisy intermediate-scale quantum hardware, establishing a scalable and resource-efficient foundation for large-scale quantum-native reinforcement learning.
Key facts. Cited by 1 paper in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Quantum reinforcement learning, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods. Builds on 17 of its 53 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 19 Sep 2025.
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- 2016Safe, Multi-Agent, Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Drivingcited by 311
- 2019Variational Quantum Circuits for Deep Reinforcement Learningcited by 167
- 2021Parametrized quantum policies for reinforcement learningcited by 90
- 2020Reinforcement Learning with Quantum Variational Circuitscited by 77
- 2020Quantum reinforcement learning in continuous action spacecited by 29
- 2021Quantum Algorithms for Reinforcement Learning with a Generative Modelcited by 24
- 2021Introduction to Quantum Reinforcement Learning: Theory and PennyLane-based Implementationcited by 23
- 2022Quantum Policy Iteration via Amplitude Estimation and Grover Search -- Towards Quantum Advantage for Reinforcement Learningcited by 21
- 2021Deep Reinforcement Learning with Quantum-inspired Experience Replaycited by 19
- 2022Quantum Reinforcement Learning via Policy Iterationcited by 19
- 2021Variational Quantum Soft Actor-Criticcited by 15
- 2022Policy Gradients using Variational Quantum Circuitscited by 15
4 more
- 2024IBM Quantum Computers: Evolution, Performance, and Future Directionscited by 11
- 2020Intelligent Trajectory Planning in UAV-mounted Wireless Networks: A Quantum-Inspired Reinforcement Learning Perspectivecited by 6
- 2022Quantum bandit with amplitude amplification exploration in an adversarial environmentcited by 5
- 2018QDB: From Quantum Algorithms Towards Correct Quantum Programscited by 2
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