Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) are a mathematical model for decision-making in uncertain environments. They consist of states, actions, transition probabilities, and rewards, forming the basis of reinforcement learning. MDPs are used in various fields, from healthcare to gaming, to develop strategies that maximize rewards over time. The Value Iteration algorithm and the Bellman equation are key to solving MDPs, while advanced topics like POMDPs address incomplete information scenarios.
Show More
States represent the possible scenarios or configurations of a system in an MDP
Actions are the choices that influence state transitions in an MDP
Transition probabilities describe the likelihood of transitioning from one state to another given an action in an MDP
Reinforcement learning is a branch of machine learning that uses MDPs to learn optimal behavior through trial and error
MDPs have been successfully applied in various real-world contexts, such as healthcare, cloud computing, robotics, and gaming
MDPs have empowered AI to achieve mastery in complex games and tasks, showcasing their adaptability and utility in uncertain decision-making environments
The Value Iteration algorithm is a dynamic programming technique used in MDPs to compute the optimal policy by systematically updating state values
The Bellman equation is a recursive approach used in MDPs to determine the optimal policy by calculating the expected return from the best possible action in each state
The discount factor (\(\gamma\)) is a critical element in MDPs that determines the present worth of future rewards and influences the long-term approach to decision-making