aiqbench analysis
This research advances adaptive agent design by addressing the bi-level optimization of transition kernels and control policies in non-Markovian environments using soft Q-learning. The study provides theoretical convergence guarantees for these algorithms under general conditions and explores Bayesian optimization techniques for partially observed Markov decision problems.
Adaptive Agent Design
arXiv:2609.12486v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We consider an agent acting against a general non-Markovian environment. The agent maintains its agent states, but is free to choose a transition kernel across those states and optimize its state-feedback control policies. We study the bi-level agent design problem that optimizes the transition kernel and the policy it induces, given said kernel with offline data of observations and actions obtained via a behavioral policy. For general environments, we show that a soft $Q$-learning algorithm converges almost surely to the fixed point of a soft Bellman equation defined by the stationary averages that the behavioral policy and the chosen kernel induce, and we delineate what separates the resulting policy from an optimal one. In partially observed Markov decision problems, we analyze convergence properties of parametrized transition kernel design via zero-th order and Bayesian optimization techniques.
Abstract:We consider an agent acting against a general non-Markovian environment. The agent maintains its agent states, but is free to choose a transition kernel across those states and optimize its state-feedback control policies. We study the bi-level agent design problem that optimizes the transition kernel and the policy it induces, given said kernel with offline data of observations and actions obtained via a behavioral policy. For general environments, we show that a soft $Q$-learning algorithm converges almost surely to the fixed point of a soft Bellman equation defined by the stationary averages that the behavioral policy and the chosen kernel induce, and we delineate what separates the resulting policy from an optimal one. In partially observed Markov decision problems, we analyze convergence properties of parametrized transition kernel design via zero-th order and Bayesian optimization techniques.
Systems and Control (eess.SY); Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI); Computer Science and Game Theory (cs.GT); Optimization and Control (math.OC)
arXiv:2609.12486 [eess.SY]
(or arXiv:2609.12486v1 [eess.SY] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.12486 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
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 · 243 words
Related coverage

Amazon Research Awards recipients announced
Amazon Science · May 27, 2026

34 Amazon Research Awards Build on Trainium recipients announced
Amazon Science · Aug 5, 2026
Amazon is investing in the Lean Focused Research Organization
Amazon Science · Jul 26, 2026

[AINews] not much happened today
Latent Space · Sep 10, 2026