AI engineering glossary · Reinforcement learning
What is potential-based reward shaping?
Potential-based reward shaping: A form of shaping that adds gamma * Phi(s') - Phi(s) for some potential function Phi over situations. It is proven not to change which decision rules are optimal, so it guides learning safely.
Potential-based reward shaping: an example
Using negative distance to goal as Phi gives a bonus whenever a step moves closer, and cancels out overall.
Related terms
More Reinforcement learning terms
Where you learn it
Potential-based reward shaping is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.