AutoRL X: Automated Reinforcement Learning on the Web

Abstract

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is crucial in decision optimization, but its inherent complexity often presents challenges in interpretation and communication. Building upon AutoDOViz — an interface that pushed the boundaries of Automated RL for Decision Optimization — this paper unveils an open-source expansion with a web-based platform for RL. Our work introduces a taxonomy of RL visualizations and launches a dynamic web platform, leveraging backend flexibility for AutoRL frameworks like ARLO and Svelte.js for a smooth interactive user experience in the front end. Since AutoDOViz is not open-source, we present AutoRL X, a new interface designed to visualize RL processes. AutoRL X is shaped by the extensive user feedback and expert interviews from AutoDOViz studies, and it brings forth an intelligent interface with real-time, intuitive visualization capabilities that enhance understanding, collaborative efforts, and personalization of RL agents. Addressing the gap in accurately representing complex real-world challenges within standard RL environments, we demonstrate our tool's application in healthcare, explicitly optimizing brain stimulation trajectories. A user study contrasts the performance of human users optimizing electric fields via a 2D interface with RL agents’ behavior that we visually analyze in AutoRL X, assessing the practicality of automated RL. All our data and code is openly available at: https://github.com/lorifranke/autorlx.