Bayesian-centric autonomous robotic learning: United States Patent 9984332

Various apparatus and methods include autonomous robot operations to perturb a current Bayesian equation and determining whether the perturbed Bayesian equation yields an improved probability of success of achieving a goal relative to the current Bayesian equation. In an illustrative example, the perturbation may modulate a coefficient of a parameter in the Bayesian equation. In some examples, the perturbation may include assessment of whether adding or removing a parameter may improve the probability of success of achieving the goal. The parameters of the Bayesian equation may include, for example, current state information, alone or in combination with sensor input values and/or historical information, for example. In some implementations, the robot may advantageously autonomously optimize its operations by perturbing a current Bayesian equation associated with, for example, a current goal, sub-goal, task, or probability of success criteria.