Data Hurdles

This Data Hurdles podcast episode discusses reinforcement learning in machine learning. The hosts define reinforcement learning as the process of decision making where the model learns an optimal behavior in an environment obtained by a reward. They use the analogy of a child learning how to engage with fire to explain this concept. The hosts also highlight some real-life examples of reinforcement learning being used in various fields, including gaming, robotics, marketing, healthcare, and finance. 

They note that while reinforcement learning can be challenging to implement and sensitive to the choice of reward function, with careful design and tuning, it can lead to powerful and adaptable AI systems. The conversation also covers the Mario case as an interesting example of reinforcement learning in a controlled environment.