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#machine learning Preprint Open access

Trace2World: Reconstructing App Worlds from Real Interaction Traces for Scalable GUI Agent Training

Zezhou Wang Hanzhang Zhou Panrong Tong Quyu Kong Pengxiang Li Steven Hoi Zhuzhong Qian Yue Wang
Oct 2026
Machine Learning

Abstract

Scaling GUI reinforcement learning requires environments that preserve real-app behavior. Yet coupling behavior inference with coding can turn partial traces into runnable mocks with incorrect state transitions. We introduce \textbf{Trace2World}, which separates global behavior reconstruction from implementation. It reconciles traces into a shared, source-linked app model, then compiles an executable environment. Independent replay of source workflows localizes mismatches for bounded implementation repair. Validated worlds then support learner-adaptive task and environment augmentation within source-supported behavior. From 1,570 traces, Trace2World constructs 50 environments. On 200 workflows across ten apps, 91.1% are reproduced end to end, versus 59.8% for the strongest matched task-local baseline. Source-grounded validation retains 94.0% of simulated training gains on real devices, versus 54.7% under self-validation. Learner guidance raises benchmark success from 56.9% to 61.1%. Training in Trace2World further improves the model by 20.2 points on our benchmark, 5.4--16.2 points across four external GUI benchmarks, and 16.3 points on 100 real-device tasks. Reliable reconstruction separates what behavior source evidence supports from whether the implementation preserves it.

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