Gain an in-depth overview of reinforcement learning for autonomous agents in game development with Unity. This book starts with an introduction to state-based reinforcement learning algorithms involving Markov models, Bellman equations, and writing custom C# code with the aim of contrasting value and policy-based functions in reinforcement learning. Then, you will move on to path finding and navigation meshes in Unity, setting up the ML Agents Toolkit (including how to install and set up ML agents from the GitHub repository), and installing fundamental machine learning libraries and frameworks (such as Tensorflow). You will learn about: deep learning and work through an introduction to Tensorflow for writing neural networks (including perceptron, convolution, and LSTM networks), Q learning with Unity ML agents, and porting trained neural network models in Unity through the Python-C# API. You will also explore the OpenAI Gym Environment used throughout the book. Deep Reinforcement Learning in Unity provides a walk-through of the core fundamentals of deep reinforcement learning algorithms, especially variants of the value estimation, advantage, and policy gradient algorithms (including the differences between on and off policy algorithms in reinforcement learning). These core algorithms include actor critic, proximal policy, and deep deterministic policy gradients and its variants. And you will be able to write custom neural networks using the Tensorflow and Keras frameworks. Deep learning in games makes the agents learn how they can perform better and collect their rewards in adverse environments without user interference. The book provides a thorough overview of integrating ML Agents with Unity for deep reinforcement learning. You will: Understand how deep reinforcement learning works in games Grasp the fundamentals of deep reinforcement learning Integrate these fundamentals with the Unity ML Toolkit SDK Gain insights into practical neural networks for training Agent Brain in the context of Unity ML Agents Create different models and perform hyper-parameter tuning Understand the Brain-Academy architecture in Unity ML Agents Understand the Python-C# API interface during real-time training of neural networks Grasp the fundamentals of generic neural networks and their variants using Tensorflow Create simulations and visualize agents playing games in Unity.

Transform games into environments using machine learning and Deep learning with Tensorflow, Keras, and Unity Key Features Learn how to apply core machine learning concepts to your games with Unity Learn the Fundamentals of Reinforcement Learning and Q-Learning and apply them to your games Learn How to build multiple asynchronous agents and run them in a training scenario Book Description Unity Machine Learning agents allow researchers and developers to create games and simulations using the Unity Editor, which serves as an environment where intelligent agents can be trained with machine learning methods through a simple-to-use Python API. This book takes you from the basics of Reinforcement and Q Learning to building Deep Recurrent Q-Network agents that cooperate or compete in a multi-agent ecosystem. You will start with the basics of Reinforcement Learning and how to apply it to problems. Then you will learn how to build self-learning advanced neural networks with Python and Keras/TensorFlow. From there you move o n to more advanced training scenarios where you will learn further innovative ways to train your network with A3C, imitation, and curriculum learning models. By the end of the book, you will have learned how to build more complex environments by building a cooperative and competitive multi-agent ecosystem. What you will learn Develop Reinforcement and Deep Reinforcement Learning for games. Understand complex and advanced concepts of reinforcement learning and neural networks Explore various training strategies for cooperative and competitive agent development Adapt the basic script components of Academy, Agent, and Brain to be used with Q Learning. Enhance the Q Learning model with improved training strategies such as Greedy-Epsilon exploration Implement a simple NN with Keras and use it as an external brain in Unity Understand how to add LTSM blocks to an existing DQN Build multiple asynchronous agents and run them in a training scenario Who this book is for This book is intended for developers with an interest in using Machine learning algorithms to develop better games and simulations with Unity. The reader will be required to have a working knowledge of C# and a basic understanding of Python.

The Contemporary Introduction to Deep Reinforcement Learning that Combines Theory and Practice Deep reinforcement learning (deep RL) combines deep learning and reinforcement learning, in which artificial agents learn to solve sequential decision-making problems. In the past decade deep RL has achieved remarkable results on a range of problems, from single and multiplayer games—such as Go, Atari games, and DotA 2—to robotics. Foundations of Deep Reinforcement Learning is an introduction to deep RL that uniquely combines both theory and implementation. It starts with intuition, then carefully explains the theory of deep RL algorithms, discusses implementations in its companion software library SLM Lab, and finishes with the practical details of getting deep RL to work. This guide is ideal for both computer science students and software engineers who are familiar with basic machine learning concepts and have a working understanding of Python. Understand each key aspect of a deep RL problem Explore policy- and value-based algorithms, including REINFORCE, SARSA, DQN, Double DQN, and Prioritized Experience Replay (PER) Delve into combined algorithms, including Actor-Critic and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) Understand how algorithms can be parallelized synchronously and asynchronously Run algorithms in SLM Lab and learn the practical implementation details for getting deep RL to work Explore algorithm benchmark results with tuned hyperparameters Understand how deep RL environments are designed Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.

Understand the core concepts of deep learning and deep reinforcement learning by applying them to develop games Key FeaturesApply the power of deep learning to complex reasoning tasks by building a Game AIExploit the most recent developments in machine learning and AI for building smart gamesImplement deep learning models and neural networks with PythonBook Description The number of applications of deep learning and neural networks has multiplied in the last couple of years. Neural nets has enabled significant breakthroughs in everything from computer vision, voice generation, voice recognition and self-driving cars. Game development is also a key area where these techniques are being applied. This book will give an in depth view of the potential of deep learning and neural networks in game development. We will take a look at the foundations of multi-layer perceptron’s to using convolutional and recurrent networks. In applications from GANs that create music or textures to self-driving cars and chatbots. Then we introduce deep reinforcement learning through the multi-armed bandit problem and other OpenAI Gym environments. As we progress through the book we will gain insights about DRL techniques such as Motivated Reinforcement Learning with Curiosity and Curriculum Learning. We also take a closer look at deep reinforcement learning and in particular the Unity ML-Agents toolkit. By the end of the book, we will look at how to apply DRL and the ML-Agents toolkit to enhance, test and automate your games or simulations. Finally, we will cover your possible next steps and possible areas for future learning. What you will learnLearn the foundations of neural networks and deep learning.Use advanced neural network architectures in applications to create music, textures, self driving cars and chatbots. Understand the basics of reinforcement and DRL and how to apply it to solve a variety of problems.Working with Unity ML-Agents toolkit and how to install, setup and run the kit.Understand core concepts of DRL and the differences between discrete and continuous action environments.Use several advanced forms of learning in various scenarios from developing agents to testing games.Who this book is for This books is for game developers who wish to create highly interactive games by leveraging the power of machine and deep learning. No prior knowledge of machine learning, deep learning or neural networks is required this book will teach those concepts from scratch. A good understanding of Python is required.

Explore reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to build cutting-edge games using Python libraries such as PyTorch, OpenAI Gym, and TensorFlow Key FeaturesGet to grips with the different reinforcement and DRL algorithms for game developmentLearn how to implement components such as artificial agents, map and level generation, and audio generationGain insights into cutting-edge RL research and understand how it is similar to artificial general researchBook Description With the increased presence of AI in the gaming industry, developers are challenged to create highly responsive and adaptive games by integrating artificial intelligence into their projects. This book is your guide to learning how various reinforcement learning techniques and algorithms play an important role in game development with Python. Starting with the basics, this book will help you build a strong foundation in reinforcement learning for game development. Each chapter will assist you in implementing different reinforcement learning techniques, such as Markov decision processes (MDPs), Q-learning, actor-critic methods, SARSA, and deterministic policy gradient algorithms, to build logical self-learning agents. Learning these techniques will enhance your game development skills and add a variety of features to improve your game agent’s productivity. As you advance, you’ll understand how deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques can be used to devise strategies to help agents learn from their actions and build engaging games. By the end of this book, you’ll be ready to apply reinforcement learning techniques to build a variety of projects and contribute to open source applications. What you will learnUnderstand how deep learning can be integrated into an RL agentExplore basic to advanced algorithms commonly used in game developmentBuild agents that can learn and solve problems in all types of environmentsTrain a Deep Q-Network (DQN) agent to solve the CartPole balancing problemDevelop game AI agents by understanding the mechanism behind complex AIIntegrate all the concepts learned into new projects or gaming agentsWho this book is for If you’re a game developer looking to implement AI techniques to build next-generation games from scratch, this book is for you. Machine learning and deep learning practitioners, and RL researchers who want to understand how to use self-learning agents in the game domain will also find this book useful. Knowledge of game development and Python programming experience are required.

Simulation and synthesis are core parts of the future of AI and machine learning. Consider: programmers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers can create the brain of a self-driving car without the car. Rather than use information from the real world, you can synthesize artificial data using simulations to train traditional machine learning models.That’s just the beginning. With this practical book, you’ll explore the possibilities of simulation- and synthesis-based machine learning and AI, concentrating on deep reinforcement learning and imitation learning techniques. AI and ML are increasingly data driven, and simulations are a powerful, engaging way to unlock their full potential. You'll learn how to: Design an approach for solving ML and AI problems using simulations with the Unity engine Use a game engine to synthesize images for use as training data Create simulation environments designed for training deep reinforcement learning and imitation learning models Use and apply efficient general-purpose algorithms for simulation-based ML, such as proximal policy optimization Train a variety of ML models using different approaches Enable ML tools to work with industry-standard game development tools, using PyTorch, and the Unity ML-Agents and Perception Toolkits

Deep reinforcement learning is the combination of reinforcement learning (RL) and deep learning. This field of research has recently been able to solve a wide range of complex decision-making tasks that were previously out of reach for a machine. Deep RL opens up many new applications in domains such as healthcare, robotics, smart grids, finance, and many more. This book provides the reader with a starting point for understanding the topic. Although written at a research level it provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to deep reinforcement learning models, algorithms and techniques. Particular focus is on the aspects related to generalization and how deep RL can be used for practical applications. Written by recognized experts, this book is an important introduction to Deep Reinforcement Learning for practitioners, researchers and students alike.

"The authors’ clear visual style provides a comprehensive look at what’s currently possible with artificial neural networks as well as a glimpse of the magic that’s to come." – Tim Urban, author of Wait But Why Fully Practical, Insightful Guide to Modern Deep Learning Deep learning is transforming software, facilitating powerful new artificial intelligence capabilities, and driving unprecedented algorithm performance. Deep Learning Illustrated is uniquely intuitive and offers a complete introduction to the discipline’s techniques. Packed with full-color figures and easy-to-follow code, it sweeps away the complexity of building deep learning models, making the subject approachable and fun to learn. World-class instructor and practitioner Jon Krohn–with visionary content from Grant Beyleveld and beautiful illustrations by Aglaé Bassens–presents straightforward analogies to explain what deep learning is, why it has become so popular, and how it relates to other machine learning approaches. Krohn has created a practical reference and tutorial for developers, data scientists, researchers, analysts, and students who want to start applying it. He illuminates theory with hands-on Python code in accompanying Jupyter notebooks. To help you progress quickly, he focuses on the versatile deep learning library Keras to nimbly construct efficient TensorFlow models; PyTorch, the leading alternative library, is also covered. You’ll gain a pragmatic understanding of all major deep learning approaches and their uses in applications ranging from machine vision and natural language processing to image generation and game-playing algorithms. Discover what makes deep learning systems unique, and the implications for practitioners Explore new tools that make deep learning models easier to build, use, and improve Master essential theory: artificial neurons, training, optimization, convolutional nets, recurrent nets, generative adversarial networks (GANs), deep reinforcement learning, and more Walk through building interactive deep learning applications, and move forward with your own artificial intelligence projects Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.

This book serves as a bridge connecting the theoretical foundations of DRL with practical, actionable insights for implementing these technologies in a variety of industrial contexts, making it a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts at the forefront of technological innovation. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) represents one of the most dynamic and impactful areas of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence. Bridging the gap between decision-making theory and powerful deep learning models, DRL has evolved from academic curiosity to a cornerstone technology driving innovation across numerous industries. Its core premise—enabling machines to learn optimal actions within complex environments through trial and error—has broad implications, from automating intricate decision processes to optimizing operations that were previously beyond the reach of traditional AI techniques. “Deep Reinforcement Learning and Its Industrial Use Cases: AI for Real-World Applications” is an essential guide for anyone eager to understand the nexus between cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques and practical industrial applications. This book not only demystifies the complex theory behind deep reinforcement learning (DRL) but also provides a clear roadmap for implementing these advanced algorithms in a variety of industries to solve real-world problems. Through a careful blend of theoretical foundations, practical insights, and diverse case studies, the book offers a comprehensive look into how DRL is revolutionizing fields such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more, by optimizing decisions in dynamic and uncertain environments. This book distills years of research and practical experience into accessible and actionable knowledge. Whether you’re an AI professional seeking to expand your toolkit, a business leader aiming to leverage AI for competitive advantage, or a student or academic researching the latest in AI applications, this book provides valuable insights and guidance. Beyond just exploring the successes of DRL, it critically examines challenges, pitfalls, and ethical considerations, preparing readers to not only implement DRL solutions but to do so responsibly and effectively. Audience The book will be read by researchers, postgraduate students, and industry engineers in machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as those in business and industry seeking to understand how DRL can be applied to solve complex industry-specific challenges and improve operational efficiency.

Simulated environments have been essential to advancing the field of artificial intelligence, providing vast amounts of synthetic data that tests novel approaches safely and efficiently. This has most often taken the form of games, ranging from simple board games to modern multiplayer strategy games. These games served as a good starting point, but Danny Lange (Unity Technologies) reveals an opportunity to push the state of the art in AI research to the next level. United introduced the Obstacle Tower, a high-visual-fidelity, 3-D, third-person, procedurally generated game environment purpose built to test a deep reinforcement learning-trained agent's vision, control, planning, and generalization abilities. Over the past year, Unity invited researchers and developers to try to solve the tower with the intention of sharing those insights with the broader community. Prerequisite knowledge A basic knowledge of machine learning and AI What you'll learn See how you can use what Unity learned from hosting the challenges to engage the broader community to advance AI research Find out how participants fared as they attempted to solve the tower, what that taught Unity, and what's next for Obstacle Tower as it continues pushing advances in deep reinforcement learning Learn how observing emergent behaviors of multiple AI agents in a simulated virtual environment can lead to the most optimal designs and real-world practices This session is from the 2019 O'Reilly Artificial Intelligence Conference in San Jose, CA.