ShockLab

Causal Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning: Review and Open Problems

AUTHORS

St John Grimbly, Jonathan Shock, Arnu Pretorius

DATE PUBLISHED

01 December 2021

Abstract

This paper serves to introduce the reader to the field of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) and its intersection with methods from the study of causality. We highlight key challenges in MARL and discuss these in the context of how causal methods may assist in tackling them. We promote moving toward a ‘causality first’ perspective on MARL. Specifically, we argue that causality can offer improved safety, interpretability, and robustness, while also providing strong theoretical guarantees for emergent behaviour. We discuss potential solutions for common challenges, and use this context to motivate future research directions.