Quantitative comparison of reinforcement learning and data-driven model predictive control for chemical and biological processes

As manufacturing processes transition towards digitalization, data-driven process control is emerging as a key area of interest in future artificial intelligence technology. A crucial aspect in implementing data-driven process control is "What should we learn from the data?". In general, the data-driven control method can be categorized into two main approaches: Learning the model and learning the value. To assist in selecting the more suitable approach, this paper applies six different control methods, with three falling under each approach, to three distinct manufacturing process systems. The simulation results indicate that the model-learning approaches display higher data efficiency and exhibit lower variance in total cost. These methods prove to be particularly advantageous for addressing the regulation problems. Conversely, value-learning approaches show competitive potential in closed-loop identification and in managing economic cost problems. The remaining challenges associated with each technique are discussed, along with practical considerations for their implementation.