Reinforcement learning is a machine learning paradigm in which software agents use a process of trial and error to learn how to complete tasks in a way that maximizes cumulative rewards as defined by their programmers. In contrast to supervised learning paradigms, reinforcement learning systems do not need labeled input/output pairs or explicit corrections of suboptimal actions; and, in contrast to unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning defines an explicit goal, which is the maximization of the value returned by the Q-learning (or “quality” learning) algorithm as a result of its actions.

Because it combines the goal orientation of supervised learning with the flexibility of unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning is very important in creating artificial intelligence (AI) applications requiring successful problem-solving in complex situations. For example, they are often used in financial engineering to develop optimal trading algorithms for the stock market. They are also used to build intelligent systems to allow robots and self-driving cars to navigate real-world environments safely.

As one of the main paradigms for machine learning, reinforcement learning is an essential skill for careers in this fast-growing field. Reinforcement learning is particularly important for developing artificially intelligent digital agents for real-world problem-solving in industries like finance, automotive, robotics, logistics, and smart assistants. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for machine learning engineers in America is $114,121 per year, a high level of pay which reflects the high level of demand for this expertise.

Absolutely. Coursera hosts a wide variety of courses in reinforcement learning and related topics in machine learning, as well as the use of these techniques in applied contexts such as finance and self-driving cars. These courses and Specializations are offered by top-ranked institutions in this field, including the deepmind.ai, New York University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta’s Machine Intelligence Institute. You can learn remotely on a flexible schedule while still getting feedback from expert professors and instructors, ensuring that you’ll get a high quality education with all the reinforcement you need to learn these valuable skills with confidence.