Hilbert-Augmented Reinforcement Learning for Scalable Multi-Robot Coverage and Exploration

We present a coverage framework that integrates Hilbert space-filling priors into decentralized multi-robot learning and execution. We augment DQN and PPO with Hilbert-based spatial indices to structure exploration and reduce redundancy in sparse-reward environments, and we evaluate scalability in multi-robot grid coverage. We further describe a waypoint interface that converts Hilbert orderings into curvature-bounded, time-parameterized SE(2) trajectories (planar (x, y, ?)), enabling onboard feasibility on resource-constrained robots. Experiments show improvements in coverage efficiency, redundancy, and convergence speed over DQN/PPO baselines. In addition, we validate the approach on a Boston Dynamics Spot legged robot, executing the generated trajectories in indoor environments and observing reliable coverage with low redundancy. These results indicate that geometric priors improve autonomy and scalability for swarm and legged robotics.

Publication Details

Journal
Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium)
Published
2026-02-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.13016/m22ewt-ajpw
Primary Topic
Reinforcement Learning in Robotics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Hilbert-Augmented Reinforcement Learning for Scalable Multi-Robot Coverage and Exploration

Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium)
Reinforcement Learning in Robotics
article

Hilbert-Augmented Reinforcement Learning for Scalable Multi-Robot Coverage and Exploration

article en

Abstract

We present a coverage framework that integrates Hilbert space-filling priors into decentralized multi-robot learning and execution. We augment DQN and PPO with Hilbert-based spatial indices to structure exploration and reduce redundancy in sparse-reward environments, and we evaluate scalability in multi-robot grid coverage. We further describe a waypoint interface that converts Hilbert orderings into curvature-bounded, time-parameterized SE(2) trajectories (planar (x, y, ?)), enabling onboard feasibility on resource-constrained robots. Experiments show improvements in coverage efficiency, redundancy, and convergence speed over DQN/PPO baselines. In addition, we validate the approach on a Boston Dynamics Spot legged robot, executing the generated trajectories in indoor environments and observing reliable coverage with low redundancy. These results indicate that geometric priors improve autonomy and scalability for swarm and legged robotics.

Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium)
Decent work and economic growth
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Reinforcement Learning in Robotics
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