Intrinsically Motivated Reinforcement Learning

Psychologists call behavior intrinsically motivated when it is engaged in for its own sake rather than as a step toward solving a specific problem of clear practical value. But what we learn during intrinsically motivated behavior is essential for our development as competent autonomous entities able to efficiently solve a wide range of practical problems as they arise. In this paper we present initial results from a computational study of intrinsically motivated reinforcement learning aimed at allowing artificial agents to construct and extend hierarchies of reusable skills that are needed for competent autonomy.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: NIPS
• Authors: Satinder P. Singh, Andrew G. Barto, Nuttapong Chentanez
• Keywords: Clear Practical Value, Competent Autonomous Entities, Competent Autonomy, NIPS 2004, NIPS 2007