English

Hybrid Framework for Robotic Manipulation: Integrating Reinforcement Learning and Large Language Models

Robotics 2026-04-01 v1 Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This paper introduces a new hybrid framework that combines Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve robotic manipulation tasks. By utilizing RL for accurate low-level control and LLMs for high level task planning and understanding of natural language, the proposed framework effectively connects low-level execution with high-level reasoning in robotic systems. This integration allows robots to understand and carry out complex, human-like instructions while adapting to changing environments in real time. The framework is tested in a PyBullet-based simulation environment using the Franka Emika Panda robotic arm, with various manipulation scenarios as benchmarks. The results show a 33.5% decrease in task completion time and enhancements of 18.1% and 36.4% in accuracy and adaptability, respectively, when compared to systems that use only RL. These results underscore the potential of LLM-enhanced robotic systems for practical applications, making them more efficient, adaptable, and capable of interacting with humans. Future research will aim to explore sim-to-real transfer, scalability, and multi-robot systems to further broaden the framework's applicability.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2603.30022,
  title  = {Hybrid Framework for Robotic Manipulation: Integrating Reinforcement Learning and Large Language Models},
  author = {Md Saad and Sajjad Hussain and Mohd Suhaib},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.30022},
  year   = {2026}
}
R2 v1 2026-07-01T11:46:46.472Z