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Robbert Reijnen explores how dynamic algorithms improve decision-making in complex scheduling environments

Learning to Adapt

14 oktober 2025

Robbert Reijnen’s research shows how deep reinforcement learning can dynamically optimize machine scheduling, helping industries respond to evolving challenges and complex decision-making environments.

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Image: Just_Super on iStock.com

Robbert Reijnen, PhD researcher at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, defended his dissertation on October 13, 2025, within the Information Systems (IS) research group. His work investigates how dynamic algorithm configuration can improve machine scheduling in complex and changing environments.

Changing Landscapes

Industries increasingly face decision-making problems that involve balancing multiple objectives under tight constraints. In manufacturing, logistics, and energy systems, scheduling tasks efficiently is critical. Reijnen’s research focuses on combinatorial optimization problems, which are known for their vast and structured solution spaces. Traditional algorithms often rely on fixed configurations, making them vulnerable when the problem landscape shifts.

Learning Algorithms

Reijnen proposes a learning-based approach using deep reinforcement learning to dynamically adjust algorithm parameters and operator selection during the optimization process. This method treats algorithm control as a sequential decision-making problem, allowing the system to respond to real-time feedback and adapt its strategy. His work shows that dynamic control can help algorithms escape local optima and explore more promising regions of the solution space.

Practical Impact

The research offers insights for sectors that rely on efficient scheduling, such as manufacturing, transport, and energy. Businesses often struggle with static systems that fail to adapt to disruptions or changing demands. Reijnen’s frameworks demonstrate how adaptive algorithms can support more resilient and responsive operations.

ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Expertise

Within the Information Systems group, researchers combine optimization, data science, and machine learning to tackle real-world challenges. Reijnen’s work contributes to this effort by bridging algorithm design with practical applications in dynamic environments.

Robbert Reijnen defended his thesis on October 13, 2025. Title of the thesis:  Supervisors: Yingqian Zhang and Zaharah Bukhsh.

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Christianne Scharff - Bastiaens
(Communication Officer)