# Deep Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Gain Tuning in Control of Teleoperation Manipulators with Joint Flexibility and Time-Varying Delays

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.21145 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2607.21145/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in RL for robot locomotion and manipulation, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods.
- Builds on 3 of its 37 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 23 Jul 2026.

## Placed in

- Deep reinforcement learning methods / [RL for robot locomotion and manipulation](https://mlsanity.com/deeprl/rl-for-robot-locomotion-and-manipulation/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Continuous control with deep reinforcement learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1509.02971/) (2015)
- [Addressing Function Approximation Error in Actor-Critic Methods](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1802.09477/) (2018)
- [Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Motion Planning and PDE Control for Flexible Manipulators](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.08639/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Bilateral teleoperation systems that include joint flexibility better reflect real robotic systems used in surgery, space, and rehabilitation. However, joint flexibility together with time-varying communication delays makes it difficult to maintain stable and coordinated motion between the master and slave robots. To address this, we propose a hybrid control method that combines a stable Proportional-plus-Damping (P+d) controller with a model-free deep reinforcement learning agent based on the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm. The P+d controller provides basic stability under bounded delays, while the learning agent adjusts and tunes the remote-side proportional and damping gains in real time to reduce vibrations and improve tracking. Stability is guaranteed for bounded time-varying delays using Lyapunov-Krasovskii analysis. The approach provides a practical solution for teleoperation systems facing both joint flexibility and uncertain network delays.