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Sample Efficiency

The ability of an algorithm to learn effectively from a small number of real-world interactions, enhanced by world models that supplement real data with imagined experience.

robotics model-based-rl simulation embodied-ai

What Is Sample Efficiency?

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The ability of an algorithm to learn effectively from a small number of real-world interactions. Model-based RL agents achieve high sample efficiency by supplementing real data with imagined experience from their world model.

Sample Efficiency is a glossary concept in the concepts layer of the world models knowledge base.

Term Snapshot

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AttributeValue
TermSample Efficiency
CategoryConcepts
DefinitionThe ability of an algorithm to learn effectively from a small number of real-world interactions. Model-based RL agents achieve high sample efficiency by supplementing real data with imagined experience from their world model.
Related Models3
Related Research1

Related Models

ModelLabCategory
DreamerV3Google DeepMindModel-Based RL
MuZeroGoogle DeepMindModel-Based RL
TD-MPC2MIT / MetaModel-Based RL

Related Research

TopicSummary
Model-Based Reinforcement LearningWhat model-based reinforcement learning is, how world models enable imagination-based planning, and why Dreamer, MuZero, PlaNet, and TD-MPC2 matter.

Related Terms

TermCategoryDefinition
Imagination-Based LearningTrainingA training paradigm where an agent uses its world model to generate synthetic (imagined) trajectories, then learns policies from these imagined experiences rather than costly real-world interaction. This dramatically improves sample efficiency.
Model-Based Reinforcement LearningParadigmsAn RL approach where the agent learns a predictive model of the environment (a world model) and uses it to simulate outcomes, plan ahead, and learn from imagined experience. Contrasted with model-free RL which learns directly from interaction.

Quick Answer

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  • Sample Efficiency is a glossary concept used across world-models.io to clarify language, methods, and architectural ideas in the field.
  • Use this page to get the definition quickly, then continue into related models, research topics, and adjacent terms for context.

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Published by world-models.io editorial board.

Lead editor Bernard Grenat.

This glossary page publishes stable definitions linked to related models, research topics, and primary-source context.

Each editorial page is assembled from primary sources, normalized into extractable summaries, checked for factual drift, and reviewed before publication or major refreshes. Last reviewed: 2026-06-21.

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