Batch Recurrent Q-Learning for Backchannel Generation Towards Engaging Agents
The ability to generate appropriate verbal and non-verbal backchannels by an agent during human-robot interaction greatly enhances the interaction experience. Backchannels are particularly important in applications like tutoring and counseling, which require constant attention and engagement of the user. We present here a method for training a robot for backchannel generation during a human-robot interaction within the reinforcement learning (RL) framework, with the goal of maintaining high engagement level. Since online learning by interaction with a human is highly time-consuming and impractical, we take advantage of the recorded human-to-human dataset and approach our problem as a batch reinforcement learning problem. The dataset is utilized as a batch data acquired by some behavior policy. We perform experiments with laughs as a backchannel and train an agent with value-based techniques. In particular, we demonstrate the effectiveness of recurrent layers in the approximate value function for this problem, that boosts the performance in partially observable environments. With off-policy policy evaluation, it is shown that the RL agents are expected to produce more engagement than an agent trained from imitation learning.
Code (0)
등록된 구현이 없습니다.
Tasks
Imitation LearningQ-Learningreinforcement-learningReinforcement LearningReinforcement Learning (RL)Similar Papers 제목 키워드 기반
Speech Driven Backchannel Generation using Deep Q-Network for Enhancing Engagement in Human-Robot Interaction
We present a novel method for training a social robot to generate backchannels during human-robot interaction. We address the problem within an off-policy reinforcement learning framework, and show how a robot may learn …
reinforcement-learningReinforcement LearningReinforcement Learning (RL)TalkTive: A Conversational Agent Using Backchannels to Engage Older Adults in Neurocognitive Disorders Screening
Conversational agents (CAs) have the great potential in mitigating the clinicians' burden in screening for neurocognitive disorders among older adults. It is important, therefore, to develop CAs that can be engaging, to …
Yeah, Un, Oh: Continuous and Real-time Backchannel Prediction with Fine-tuning of Voice Activity Projection
In human conversations, short backchannel utterances such as "yeah" and "oh" play a crucial role in facilitating smooth and engaging dialogue. These backchannels signal attentiveness and understanding without interruptin…
PredictionType predictionLearning to Generate Context-Sensitive Backchannel Smiles for Embodied AI Agents with Applications in Mental Health Dialogues
Addressing the critical shortage of mental health resources for effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment remains a significant challenge. This scarcity underscores the need for innovative solutions, particularly in …
Towards Social & Engaging Peer Learning: Predicting Backchanneling and Disengagement in Children
Social robots and interactive computer applications have the potential to foster early language development in young children by acting as peer learning companions. However, studies have found that children only trust ro…
Pupil DilationTime SeriesTime Series AnalysisTime Series Classification