Geometric Clifford Algebra Networks

  • David Ruhe ,
  • Jayesh K. Gupta ,
  • Steven de Keninck ,
  • Max Welling ,
  • Johannes Brandstetter

ICML 2023 |

We propose Geometric Clifford Algebra Networks (GCANs) for modeling dynamical systems. GCANs are based on symmetry group transformations using geometric (Clifford) algebras. We first review the quintessence of modern (plane-based) geometric algebra, which builds on isometries encoded as elements of the \(Pin(p,q,r)\) group. We then propose the concept of group action layers, which linearly combine object transformations using pre-specified group actions. Together with a new activation and normalization scheme, these layers serve as adjustable \(geometric templates\) that can be refined via gradient descent. Theoretical advantages are strongly reflected in the modeling of three-dimensional rigid body transformations as well as large-scale fluid dynamics simulations, showing significantly improved performance over traditional methods.