A Dual-Memory Architecture for Reinforcement Learning on Neuromorphic Platforms

Abstract: Reinforcement learning (RL) is a foundation of learning in biological systems and provides a framework to address numerous challenges with real-world artificial intelligence applications. Efficient implementations of RL techniques could allow for agents deployed in edge-use cases to gain novel abilities, such as improved navigation, understanding complex situations and critical decision making. Towards this goal, we describe a flexible architecture to carry out reinforcement learning on neuromorphic platforms. This architecture was implemented using an Intel neuromorphic processor and demonstrated solving a variety of tasks using spiking dynamics. Our study proposes a usable energy efficient solution for real-world RL applications and demonstrates applicability of the neuromorphic platforms for RL problems.