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arXiv · 2307.15456

Worrisome Properties of Neural Network Controllers and Their Symbolic Representations

Jacek Cyranka·Kevin E M Church·Jean-Philippe Lessard
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Abstract

We raise concerns about controllers' robustness in simple reinforcement learning benchmark problems. We focus on neural network controllers and their low neuron and symbolic abstractions. A typical controller reaching high mean return values still generates an abundance of persistent low-return solutions, which is a highly undesirable property, easily exploitable by an adversary. We find that the simpler controllers admit more persistent bad solutions. We provide an algorithm for a systematic robustness study and prove existence of persistent solutions and, in some cases, periodic orbits, using a computer-assisted proof methodology.

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Jacek Cyranka, Kevin E M Church, Jean-Philippe Lessard. 2023-07-28. Worrisome Properties of Neural Network Controllers and Their Symbolic Representations. https://doi.org/10.3233/faia230311

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