arXiv:2601.11953cs.LG2026-01ICML被引 2

提出MICE方法,用记忆机制减少安全强化学习中的代价低估问题。

Controlling Underestimation Bias in Constrained Reinforcement Learning for Safe Exploration

  • 引入记忆模块记录危险状态,通过伪计数生成内在代价
  • 在信任区域优化中结合内外代价,显著降低约束违反率
  • 适合需要高安全性的强化学习场景,如自动驾驶

约束强化学习(CRL)旨在最大化累积奖励的同时满足约束条件。然而,现有算法在训练过程中常出现严重约束违反,限制了其在安全关键场景的应用。本文识别出代价值函数低估是导致违规的关键因素。为此,提出内存驱动的内在代价估计(MICE)方法:借鉴闪光灯记忆机制,构建记忆模块存储过往探索的不安全状态,以识别高代价区域;当前状态访问这些风险区域的伪计数即为内在代价。进一步提出外在-内在代价值函数,并采用偏差校正策略,在信任区域框架内制定优化目标及相应求解方法。理论上,给出了所提代价值函数的收敛性保证,并建立了MICE更新的最坏情况约束违反界。大量实验表明,MICE显著减少了约束违反,同时保持与基线相当的策略性能。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

Constrained Reinforcement Learning (CRL) aims to maximize cumulative rewards while satisfying constraints. However, existing CRL algorithms often encounter significant constraint violations during training, limiting their applicability in safety-critical scenarios. In this paper, we identify the underestimation of the cost value function as a key factor contributing to these violations. To address this issue, we propose the Memory-driven Intrinsic Cost Estimation (MICE) method, which introduces intrinsic costs to mitigate underestimation and control bias to promote safer exploration. Inspired by flashbulb memory, where humans vividly recall dangerous experiences to avoid risks, MICE constructs a memory module that stores previously explored unsafe states to identify high-cost regions. The intrinsic cost is formulated as the pseudo-count of the current state visiting these risk regions. Furthermore, we propose an extrinsic-intrinsic cost value function that incorporates intrinsic costs and adopts a bias correction strategy. Using this function, we formulate an optimization objective within the trust region, along with corresponding optimization methods. Theoretically, we provide convergence guarantees for the proposed cost value function and establish the worst-case constraint violation for the MICE update. Extensive experiments demonstrate that MICE significantly reduces constraint violations while preserving policy performance comparable to baselines.

强化学习安全探索约束学习代价估计

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