aiqbench analysis
This paper proposes a deep learning method for regression when outputs are non-Euclidean objects such as distributions, graphs, or functions, and it claims consistency and convergence guarantees. Its main value is methodological: it works on the response space's metric directly rather than forcing it into a manifold or Euclidean embedding. The authors also note that embedding-based approaches may fail when no informative low-dimensional representation exists, so readers working on distribution-valued or biomedical targets should check whether the assumptions hold for their data.
Deep Learning for Random Objects in Metric Spaces: Beyond Manifold Assumptions
arXiv:2610.31328v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Deep learning (DL) methods have substantially improved predictive performance across a wide range of downstream prediction tasks, enabling new discoveries in multiple domains. However, principled DL methods for non-Euclidean random objects remain relatively scarce, despite the growing importance of modern biomedical outcomes taking the form of probability distributions, random graphs, functions, and other random objects in metric spaces. Motivated by a new generation of digital and clinical biomarkers, we propose a deep learning framework for regression with random objects in metric spaces. Our approach operates directly on the metric structure of the response space, avoiding restrictive manifold or Euclidean embedding assumptions imposed by many existing methods. At the same time, it retains modern statistical guarantees under the stated statistical assumptions. We establish statistical consistency and convergence rates for the proposed estimator, and characterize conditions under which it can mitigate the curse of dimensionality for hierarchically compositional regression functions. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate competitive predictive performance, with gains over several competing approaches in multiple Euclidean and non-Euclidean configurations. Finally, we demonstrate the practical utility of the proposed framework in two digital health case studies with distribution-valued outcomes in Wasserstein spaces, using high-resolution accelerometry and continuous glucose monitoring data. Embedding-based deep-learning methods may be less suitable when no informative low-dimensional representation exists or when the learned embedding does not adequately preserve the intrinsic geometry of the response space.
Abstract:Deep learning (DL) methods have substantially improved predictive performance across a wide range of downstream prediction tasks, enabling new discoveries in multiple domains. However, principled DL methods for non-Euclidean random objects remain relatively scarce, despite the growing importance of modern biomedical outcomes taking the form of probability distributions, random graphs, functions, and other random objects in metric spaces. Motivated by a new generation of digital and clinical biomarkers, we propose a deep learning framework for regression with random objects in metric spaces. Our approach operates directly on the metric structure of the response space, avoiding restrictive manifold or Euclidean embedding assumptions imposed by many existing methods. At the same time, it retains modern statistical guarantees under the stated statistical assumptions. We establish statistical consistency and convergence rates for the proposed estimator, and characterize conditions under which it can mitigate the curse of dimensionality for hierarchically compositional regression functions. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate competitive predictive performance, with gains over several competing approaches in multiple Euclidean and non-Euclidean configurations. Finally, we demonstrate the practical utility of the proposed framework in two digital health case studies with distribution-valued outcomes in Wasserstein spaces, using high-resolution accelerometry and continuous glucose monitoring data. Embedding-based deep-learning methods may be less suitable when no informative low-dimensional representation exists or when the learned embedding does not adequately preserve the intrinsic geometry of the response space.
Machine Learning (stat.ML); Machine Learning (cs.LG); Statistics Theory (math.ST); Methodology (stat.ME)
arXiv:2610.31328 [stat.ML]
(or arXiv:2610.31328v1 [stat.ML] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.31328 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 · 328 words
Related coverage
You Don't Need Strong Assumptions: Visual Representation Learning via Temporal Differences
arXiv · Jun 16, 2026
Toward Adaptable Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning: An Assumption-Aware Review
arXiv · Jul 23, 2026
AgentOdyssey: Open-Ended Long-Horizon Text Game Generation for Test-Time Continual Learning Agents
arXiv · Oct 19, 2026
Position: Unlabeled IS NOT Equal to No Human Supervision in Visual Learning
arXiv · Sep 4, 2026