We aim to reduce the burden of programming and deploying autonomous systems to work in concert with people in time-critical domains, such as military field operations and disaster response. Deployment plans for these operations are frequently negotiated on-the-fly by teams of human planners. A human operator then trans…
Statistical depth metrics help identify risky power grid scenarios.
problem Identifying extreme scenarios for risk mitigation in power grid planning.
method Functional depth metrics for sub-selecting outlying scenarios.
result The proposed approach effectively identifies risky scenarios for operational risk mitigation.
This paper proposes a real-time signal plan recommendation system for traffic incidents.
problem Limited effectiveness of traffic incident management due to late response and workload.
method Decomposes recommendation task into real-time traffic prediction and plan association, learning from historical data and metric learning.
result Precision score of 96.75% and recall of 87.5% on testing plan, with 22.5 minutes lead time ahead of Waze alerts.
This paper offers a methodological contribution at the intersection of machine learning and operations research. Namely, we propose a methodology to quickly predict tactical solutions to a given operational problem. In this context, the tactical solution is less detailed than the operational one but it has to be comput…
New approach improves black-box planning efficiency by discovering focused macros.
problem Difficulty of deterministic planning increases exponentially with depth.
method Discovering macro-actions with focused effects to improve goal-count heuristics.
result Focused macros dramatically improve black-box planning efficiency.
CoMPNetX uses neural networks to efficiently solve constrained motion planning problems.
problem Finding collision-free paths on constraint manifolds efficiently.
method Neural generator and discriminator with neural gradients-based projection operator.
result CoMPNetX finds path solutions with high success rates and lower computation times.
A planning approach learns skills from interactions, balancing exploration and exploitation.
problem Learning robust high-level skills in noisy environments with unknown pre-conditions.
method Formulates skills as high-level policies, learns plans via bandit problems, balances exploration and exploitation.
result A planner capable of learning robust high-level skills in high-dimensional state spaces.
The paper explores how planning with models improves credit assignment in reinforcement learning.
problem Improving credit assignment in reinforcement learning.
method Investigates the use of forward and backward models for planning in reinforcement learning.
result Establishes the relative merits and limitations of forward and backward planning mechanisms.
CoTj improves diffusion model quality and stability via graph planning.
problem Rigidity in diffusion models due to high-dimensional state space.
method Chain-of-Trajectories (CoTj) framework using Diffusion DNA for graph planning.
result CoTj discovers context-aware trajectories improving output quality and stability.
We investigate the integration of a planning mechanism into sequence-to-sequence models using attention. We develop a model which can plan ahead in the future when it computes its alignments between input and output sequences, constructing a matrix of proposed future alignments and a commitment vector that governs whet…
The thermal subsystem of the Mars Express (MEX) spacecraft keeps the on-board equipment within its pre-defined operating temperatures range. To plan and optimize the scientific operations of MEX, its operators need to estimate in advance, as accurately as possible, the power consumption of the thermal subsystem. The re…
Model-Based Offline Planning (MBOP) learns models from offline data to control systems directly.
problem Training RL policies from offline data without direct system interaction.
method Generates models from offline data and uses planning to control the system.
result Near-optimal policies found for simulated systems with minimal real-time interaction.
An accurate load forecasting has always been one of the main indispensable parts in the operation and planning of power systems. Among different time horizons of forecasting, while short-term load forecasting (STLF) and long-term load forecasting (LTLF) have respectively got benefits of accurate predictors and probabil…
New ML approach predicts glare in open-plan offices with high accuracy.
problem Challenging to predict discomfort glare in open-plan offices.
method Used Machine Learning algorithms to predict glare.
result ML model achieved 83.8% accuracy in predicting glare.
Agents learning to act autonomously in real-world domains must acquire a model of the dynamics of the domain in which they operate. Learning domain dynamics can be challenging, especially where an agent only has partial access to the world state, and/or noisy external sensors. Even in standard STRIPS domains, existing …
This study aims to predict vessel stay and delay times at ports to optimize logistics.
problem Uncertainties in maritime logistics, including weather, cargo diversity, and port dynamics, lead to increased costs and inefficiencies.
method Developed predictive analytics to address shortcomings in previous works, using feature analysis and SHAP explanations.
result Predictive analytics can assist in efficient planning and scheduling of port operations, reducing costs and improving logistics.
New AI model improves grid planning efficiency and reliability.
problem Improving distribution grid planning with AI for energy sustainability.
method Hyperstructures Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (Hyper-GCNNs) with attention mechanism.
result Hyper-GCNNs outperforms existing models in computational efficiency and accuracy.
EDGI improves sample efficiency and generalization in tasks with spatial and temporal symmetries.
problem Sample inefficiency and poor generalization in tasks with geometric symmetries.
method Equivariant Diffuser framework, SE(3)xZxSn-equivariant diffusion model.
result EDGI is more sample efficient and generalizes better than non-equivariant models.
Brain uses synaptic failure to sample from posterior distributions.
problem Bayesian inference in the brain's probabilistic computations.
method Adapting synaptic failure to sample posterior predictive distributions.
result Synaptic failure enables sampling of complete posterior predictive distributions.
The objective of this work is to augment the basic abilities of a robot by learning to use new sensorimotor primitives to enable the solution of complex long-horizon problems. Solving long-horizon problems in complex domains requires flexible generative planning that can combine primitive abilities in novel combination…
Paper uses NMT to predict solutions to stochastic optimization problems quickly.
problem Predicting solutions to stochastic discrete optimization problems under uncertainty.
method Applied a state-of-the-art NMT algorithm with minimal adaptations and hyperparameter tuning.
result NMT can produce accurate solutions in milliseconds with less variability.
In this paper, we solve the arms exponential exploding issue in multivariate Multi-Armed Bandit (Multivariate-MAB) problem when the arm dimension hierarchy is considered. We propose a framework called path planning (TS-PP) which utilizes decision graph/trees to model arm reward success rate with m-way dimension interac…
This paper offers a methodological contribution at the intersection of machine learning and operations research. Namely, we propose a methodology to quickly predict expected tactical descriptions of operational solutions (TDOSs). The problem we address occurs in the context of two-stage stochastic programming where the…
Framework uses RL and simulation for optimal microgrid energy storage planning.
problem Optimal investment in diverse energy storage technologies for microgrids.
method Combines reinforcement learning with simulation-based optimization for long-term planning.
result Derives better engineering solutions for future microgrid applications.
Optimizes electric aircraft deployment for Canadian aviation to reduce emissions.
problem Limited fleet capacity and operational structure hinder electric aircraft transition.
method Multi-period mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) framework.
result Electric aircraft can reduce emissions by over 70% within five years.
It is well established that humans decision making and instrumental control uses multiple systems, some which use habitual action selection and some which require deliberate planning. Deliberate planning systems use predictions of action-outcomes using an internal model of the agent's environment, while habitual action…
CPVs enable efficient learning and generalization of complex tasks.
problem Learning and generalizing complex tasks efficiently.
method Compositional plan vectors (CPVs) for efficient task composition and generalization.
result CPVs enable efficient learning and generalization of complex tasks without additional supervision.
A softmax operator applied to a set of values acts somewhat like the maximization function and somewhat like an average. In sequential decision making, softmax is often used in settings where it is necessary to maximize utility but also to hedge against problems that arise from putting all of one's weight behind a sing…
New algorithms accelerate value function convergence in MDPs.
problem Accelerating convergence of value functions in Markov Decision Processes (MDPs).
method Operator Splitting Value Iteration (OS-VI) and OS-Dyna.
result Achieves much faster convergence rate with accurate models.
Manipulation tasks such as preparing a meal or assembling furniture remain highly challenging for robotics and vision. Traditional task and motion planning (TAMP) methods can solve complex tasks but require full state observability and are not adapted to dynamic scene changes. Recent learning methods can operate direct…
Value function estimation is an important task in reinforcement learning, i.e., prediction. The Boltzmann softmax operator is a natural value estimator and can provide several benefits. However, it does not satisfy the non-expansion property, and its direct use may fail to converge even in value iteration. In this pape…
New model optimizes oil product distribution via pipelines.
problem Optimizing oil product distribution via pipelines.
method Discrete-time mixed integer linear programming model.
result Significant reductions in pipeline operational cost.
UNOT solves optimal transport problems efficiently using neural networks.
problem Computational expense in solving optimal transport problems.
method UNOT (Universal Neural Optimal Transport) uses Fourier Neural Operators to predict OT distances and plans accurately and efficiently.
result UNOT achieves up to 7.4x speedup over the Sinkhorn algorithm while maintaining accuracy.
Improves RL planning by proposing sub-goals hierarchically.
problem Sequential planning assumption in RL.
method Divide-and-Conquer Monte Carlo Tree Search (DC-MCTS).
result Improves navigation and control tasks.
New method designs fairer transport plans with uncertainty.
problem Designing fair and balanced mass transport plans.
method Hierarchical fully probabilistic design (HFPD) for transport plans.
result Optimal hyperprior for transport plans with uncertain marginals.
SGM combines deep learning and planning for robust long-horizon tasks.
problem Combining deep learning and planning for robust long-horizon tasks.
method Sparse Graphical Memory (SGM) that stores states and feasible transitions in a sparse memory, aggregating states according to a two-way consistency objective.
result SGM significantly outperforms current state of the art methods on long horizon, sparse-reward visual navigation tasks.
Paper compares ML models for fast power system contingency case identification.
problem Identifying critical power system states quickly.
method Comparison of regression and classification ML models.
result MLPs most suitable for fast contingency case prediction.
Study integrates reliability constraints into generation planning models.
problem Challenges in integrating reliability constraints with generation planning models.
method Leverages a weighted oblique decision tree (WODT) technique to embed reliability verification constraints.
result Demonstrates effectiveness in achieving reliable and optimal planning solutions.
Enhances crowd safety through AI and data-driven models.
problem Improving crowd safety during events.
method Innovative data collection, AI, and machine learning.
result Accurate multi-day forecasts for event planning.
Study motion planning for points avoiding obstacles in a plane.
problem Avoiding collisions for multiple points in a plane with unknown obstacles.
method Algebraic and topological tools for motion planning.
result New topological complexity for planar motion planning.
Selective planning with imperfect models reduces harmful effects of model inadequacy.
problem Harmful effects of using an imperfect model in reinforcement learning.
method Selective planning with heteroscedastic regression to estimate predictive uncertainty from model inadequacy.
result Effective selective planning requires considering both parameter uncertainty and model inadequacy.
This article asks how planning scholarship may effectively gain impact in planning practice through media exposure. In liberal democracies the public sphere is dominated by mass media. Therefore, working with such media is a prerequisite for effective public impact of planning research. Using the example of megaproject…
We introduce Dynamic Planning Networks (DPN), a novel architecture for deep reinforcement learning, that combines model-based and model-free aspects for online planning. Our architecture learns to dynamically construct plans using a learned state-transition model by selecting and traversing between simulated states and…
New method combines heuristics and search techniques to speed up cooperative planning for autonomous vehicles.
problem Efficient cooperative planning for autonomous vehicles in complex traffic scenarios.
method Combining learned heuristics with Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) to guide search towards promising actions.
result Better solutions at lower computational costs achieved through accelerated planning.
This paper presents a unifying framework for reinforcement learning and planning.
problem Sequential decision making in AI, formalized as MDP optimization.
method A unifying algorithmic framework (FRAP) for reinforcement learning and planning.
result Identifies common dimensions in MDP planning and learning algorithms.
Survey of integrating planning and learning in model-based reinforcement learning.
problem Sequential decision making in AI, formalized as MDP optimization.
method Systematic coverage of dynamics model learning and planning-learning integration.
result Broad conceptual overview of model-based reinforcement learning.
Fast and efficient motion planning algorithms are crucial for many state-of-the-art robotics applications such as self-driving cars. Existing motion planning methods become ineffective as their computational complexity increases exponentially with the dimensionality of the motion planning problem. To address this issue…
Study on-chain peak shaving to reduce Ethereum transaction costs.
problem Reducing transaction costs in blockchain networks, especially during congested periods.
method Analyzing transaction-level data from multiple firms across various industries to understand scheduling responses and cost management strategies.
result Firms' scheduling responses to congestion vary, leading to different fee savings and residual costs.