Title: Deep Residual Reinforcement Learning: Name: Chengen Wei Class: Distribution AI Date: 10/8//23

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Name: Chengen Wei

Class: Distribution AI

Date: 10/8//23

Title: Deep Residual Reinforcement Learning

The main thesis paper postulated a central hypothesis: residual algorithms,

specifically in the context of the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), have the

potential to amplify the performance of both model-free and model-based reinforcement

learning. This assertion doesn't just stem from theoretical musings but is rooted in the

very tangible issues that plague traditional reinforcement learning algorithms. The

introduction of a bidirectional target network technique, as suggested by the paper,

emerges as a potential panacea to these aforementioned challenges, underlining the

contemporary relevance of this hypothesis in the evolving landscape of machine

learning..(Hypothesis, result)

Delving into the specifics, the paper carves out a niche by introducing the residual

version of the DDPG algorithm, aptly termed Res-DDPG. The empirical foundation of

this new iteration of the algorithm is robustly validated in the DeepMind Control Suite

benchmark, where Res-DDPG noticeably outstrips the performance of the standard

DDPG. But the authors didn't stop there; they ventured further to tackle the distribution

mismatch problem in model-based planning. The residual-based method, when

juxtaposed against the conventional TD(k) method, stands out. It not only dispenses with

some of the underlying assumptions tied to the model but also charts a trajectory of

enhanced performance.(summary,distribution)
However, questions surrounding fairness in power distribution arise, particularly when

agents come with diverse capabilities or resources. What ensures a just distribution? How do

we navigate scenarios demanding equity? These are pivotal concerns that the field must

address as it advances.The central thesis, asserting the supremacy of residual algorithms in

boosting reinforcement learning performance, finds resonance with me. The authors'

empirical evidence, particularly the benchmark results showcasing the superiority of

Res-DDPG over its vanilla counterpart, is indeed compelling. Yet, one can't help but wish for

a more expansive comparison. If the paper had broadened its comparative lens to include

other state-of-the-art algorithms, it would have provided a more holistic validation of the

residual algorithm's effectiveness.

In summarizing, the paper emphasizes the potency of residual algorithms. The

Res-DDPG, with its demonstrable efficacy in the DeepMind benchmark, sets a new

standard in reinforcement learning, particularly in the realms of model-free and

model-based settings. The bidirectional target network technique, as the paper suggests, is

pivotal in both stabilizing residual algorithms and remedying distribution mismatch

issues. However, there remain a few stones unturned. A deeper dive into comparisons

with other algorithms and a thorough exploration of potential limitations would have

further enriched the paper. Nonetheless, as a beacon of innovation in the world of

reinforcement learning, the paper successfully sheds light on the transformative potential

of residual algorithms.

Citation: Shangtong Zhang, Wendelin Boehmer, Shimon Whiteson. "Deep Residual


Reinforcement Learning." In Proc. of the 19th International Conference on Autonomous
Agents and Multiagent Systems (AAMAS 2020), Auckland, New Zealand, May 9–13,
2020, IFAAMAS, 9 pages.

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