aiqbench analysis
This research introduces HiST-AT, a hierarchical spatiotemporal action tokenizer that leverages multi-level vector quantization to enhance in-context imitation learning for robotic manipulation. By effectively recovering both spatial actions and temporal timestamps, the method achieves new state-of-the-art performance across simulation and real-world benchmarks. The work advances fundamental machine learning techniques specifically tailored for robotics control and data efficiency.
A Hierarchical Spatiotemporal Action Tokenizer for In-Context Imitation Learning in Robotics
arXiv:2604.15215v4 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We present a novel hierarchical spatiotemporal action tokenizer for in-context imitation learning. We first propose a hierarchical approach, which consists of two successive levels of vector quantization. In particular, the lower level assigns input actions to fine-grained subclusters, while the higher level further maps fine-grained subclusters to clusters. Our hierarchical approach outperforms the non-hierarchical counterpart, while mainly exploiting spatial information by reconstructing input actions. Furthermore, we extend our approach by utilizing both spatial and temporal cues, forming a hierarchical spatiotemporal action tokenizer, namely HiST-AT. Specifically, our hierarchical spatiotemporal approach conducts multi-level clustering, while simultaneously recovering input actions and their associated timestamps. Finally, extensive evaluations on multiple simulation and real robotic manipulation benchmarks show that our approach establishes a new state-of-the-art performance in in-context imitation learning.
Abstract:We present a novel hierarchical spatiotemporal action tokenizer for in-context imitation learning. We first propose a hierarchical approach, which consists of two successive levels of vector quantization. In particular, the lower level assigns input actions to fine-grained subclusters, while the higher level further maps fine-grained subclusters to clusters. Our hierarchical approach outperforms the non-hierarchical counterpart, while mainly exploiting spatial information by reconstructing input actions. Furthermore, we extend our approach by utilizing both spatial and temporal cues, forming a hierarchical spatiotemporal action tokenizer, namely HiST-AT. Specifically, our hierarchical spatiotemporal approach conducts multi-level clustering, while simultaneously recovering input actions and their associated timestamps. Finally, extensive evaluations on multiple simulation and real robotic manipulation benchmarks show that our approach establishes a new state-of-the-art performance in in-context imitation learning.
Robotics (cs.RO)
arXiv:2604.15215 [cs.RO]
(or arXiv:2604.15215v4 [cs.RO] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2604.15215 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 216 words
Related coverage
MoMo: Dial Motion Mode in Robot Manipulation with Spatiotemporal Action Tokenization
arXiv · Jul 30, 2026

MoMo: Dial Motion Mode in Robot Manipulation with Spatiotemporal Action Tokenization
Apple · Jul 30, 2026
Coverage-driven alignment - What ‘Teaching Claude Why’ can borrow from AV verification
LessWrong · Jun 8, 2026
Scaling Short-Term Memory of Visuomotor Policies for Long-Horizon Tasks
arXiv · Jun 16, 2026