[jlebrech]

Is it possible to use machine learning to have the AI improve itself?

[mbel]

Apart from potential performance issues I can't think of any other reason why not. Keep in mind however that games are made to be fun and sometimes ability to predict actions of not-so-smart AI opponent might be better that facing unpredictable and too intelligent AI.

[depressedpanda]

That's pretty much how OpenAI for DotA 2 is being developed.

It's learnt the game from scratch by self play and can best professional players in some game modes.

[grumpopotamus]

Yes! This is the domain of Reinforcement Learning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforcement_learning

[jlebrech]

I was thinking you could have an AI character play the level and that would reinforce that character's moveset.