arXiv Machine Learning

Optimal uncertainty bounds for multivariate kernel regression under bounded noise: A Gaussian process-based dual function

arXiv:2603. 16481v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Non-conservative uncertainty bounds are essential for making reliable predictions about latent functions from noisy data, and thus, a key enabler for safe learning-based control.

arXiv Machine Learning
Aug 28

Gaussian Processes and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces: Connections and Equivalences

The monograph explores the relationships between Gaussian processes and reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS), two widely used approaches that rely on positive definite kernels. It examines how these frameworks connect and are equivalent across key topics such as regression, interpolation, numerical integration, distributional discrepancies, statistical dependence, and Gaussian process sample path properties. By establishing a unifying perspective based on the equivalence between the Gaussian Hilbert space and the RKHS, the work aims to bridge methods developed independently by the machine learning, statistics, and numerical analysis communities.

By Motonobu Kanagawa, Philipp Hennig, Dino Sejdinovic, Bharath K. Sriperumbudur
arXiv Machine Learning
Aug 27

Multi-output Gaussian process prediction of physical fields under linear equality constraints

The paper tackles the challenge of predicting multiple high‑dimensional physical fields that must satisfy linear equality constraints, a common scenario in physics‑informed machine learning. It critiques the conventional approach of deducing one field from others, showing its sensitivity to arbitrary choices and its impact on accuracy and uncertainty. To address this, the authors introduce a symmetric framework that first applies a row‑wise PCA to preserve constraints in a latent space, then trains a linearly‑constrained multi‑output Gaussian process using a specially parametrized kernel, and validate the method on population dynamics and CFD problems involving Reynolds stress tensors.

By Mahamat Hamdan Nassouradine, Cl\'ement Gauchy, Pierre-Emmanuel Angeli, S\'ebastien da Veiga
arXiv Machine Learning
Sep 10

A robust and adaptive MPC formulation for Gaussian process models

The paper introduces a robust and adaptive model predictive control framework for uncertain nonlinear systems with bounded disturbances and unmodeled nonlinearities, leveraging Gaussian Processes to learn dynamics from noisy measurements. It derives robust predictions for GP models using contraction metrics, integrating them into the MPC formulation to ensure recursive feasibility, robust constraint satisfaction, and convergence to a reference state with high probability. A numerical example involving a planar quadrotor experiencing challenging ground effects demonstrates significant performance gains from the robust prediction method and online learning.

By Mathieu Dubied, Amon Lahr, Melanie N. Zeilinger, Johannes K\"ohler
arXiv Machine Learning
Aug 28

Why not to use the Gaussian kernel

The paper argues against using the Gaussian (squared exponential/RBF) kernel as a default in Gaussian process regression, citing its brittleness. Two key issues are highlighted: the kernel produces unrealistically small conditional variances leading to overconfident predictions, and it causes numerical ill‑conditioning that necessitates ad‑hoc fixes like nugget terms. The authors attribute these problems to the kernel’s analytic, infinitely smooth nature, suggesting that analytic stationary kernels in general should be avoided.

By Toni Karvonen, Chris J. Oates
arXiv Machine Learning
Aug 26

Sequential operator learning under dependent data

The paper presents time‑uniform self‑normalized concentration bounds for stochastic processes in Hilbert spaces with vector‑valued noise, enabling regression‑error guarantees for both linear and nonlinear parametric operators. These results apply to possibly infinite‑dimensional inputs and outputs without requiring independence or mixing assumptions, and are derived in the context of sequentially collected, dependent data such as adaptive experimental design and dynamical‑system modelling.

By Rafael Oliveira