Learning Agent
Definition:
A learning agent is an intelligent agent that can automatically learn and improve its performance by
observing its environment, receiving feedback, and adapting its actions accordingly. It becomes more efficient
with experience over time.
A Learning Agent is an intelligent agent that can learn from its environment and experiences to improve its
performance over time.
It uses feedback, past actions, and outcomes to modify its knowledge and decision-making strategies. Unlike
fixed agents, a learning agent does not rely only on pre-programmed rules — it can adapt to new, unknown, or
changing situations by learning automatically.
This makes learning agents ideal for tasks where manual programming is difficult or impossible due to
complexity or unpredictability.
Components of Learning Agent:
1. Performance Element
o This is the core part of the agent.
o It is responsible for selecting actions based on percepts from the environment.
o Uses knowledge to interact with the environment via actuators.
o Example: A robot deciding how to move when it sees an obstacle.
2. Learning Element
o This part improves the performance of the agent.
o Takes feedback from the critic and updates internal knowledge.
o Helps the performance element get better over time.
o Learns from past actions and results.
3. Critic
o Evaluates the behavior of the agent.
o Gives feedback based on how well the agent is performing compared to the desired goal.
o Helps the learning element understand what went wrong or right.
4. Problem Generator
o Suggests new actions or situations for the agent to explore.
o Important for exploration and creativity.
o Encourages the agent to try different strategies and learn more.
5. Sensors and Actuators
o Sensors receive input from the environment (percepts).
o Actuators are used to take action on the environment based on decisions made by the
performance element.
Working of Learning Agent:
The steps involved in the working of a learning agent are:
1. The agent receives input from the environment through sensors.
2. The Performance Element chooses an action based on current knowledge.
3. The action is sent to the actuators which interact with the environment.
4. The Critic observes the result of the action and gives feedback.
5. The Learning Element uses this feedback to update and improve the agent's knowledge.
6. The Problem Generator suggests new ideas or actions to try for better performance.
7. Over time, the agent learns from its experiences and becomes more intelligent.
Features of Learning Agent:
Capable of self-improvement
Works in dynamic and unknown environments
Learns from experience
Reduces need for hardcoded rules
Adapts to changing goals or environments
Advantages of Learning Agent:
Adaptability: Can adjust to new situations.
Efficiency: Learns optimal behavior over time.
Autonomy: Doesn’t rely heavily on human input.
Improved performance: With time, actions become more accurate and successful.
Useful in AI applications like robotics, self-driving cars, smart assistants, etc.
Example:
A self-driving car is a learning agent.
It learns road conditions, traffic rules, and driver behavior.
The performance element drives the car.
The critic checks if the car followed the best path.
The learning element improves future routes.
The problem generator suggests alternate routes.
