# OpenClaw Memory Optimization - Implementation Summary

**Date:** 2026-02-22  
**Source:** Ramya Chinnadurai's Research (via Mission Control task f401df02-c072-41b9-b28c-8b71b66da860)  
**Status:** ✅ COMPLETE

---

## Changes Implemented

### 1. ✅ External Memory System (BRAIN.md)
- Created `BRAIN.md` - structured external memory
- Active projects table (top 3 only)
- Key decisions log with rationale
- Recurring patterns and conventions
- Gotchas & lessons learned
- Quick links reference

**Impact:** Reduces context window usage by offloading reference data

### 2. ✅ Write Discipline Enforcement
- Added mandatory write discipline to `AGENTS.md`
- After every task: log to memory file
- On mistakes: append to `memory/LEARNINGS.md`
- Significant context: update MEMORY.md/BRAIN.md
- Created `memory/LEARNINGS.md` template

**Impact:** Knowledge persists across sessions

### 3. ✅ Optimized Heartbeat Efficiency
- Rewrote `HEARTBEAT.md` for <3s checks
- Added rotating check schedule (don't check everything every time)
- Created `memory/heartbeat-state.json` for tracking
- Timeboxed each check procedure
- Clear rules for when to reply HEARTBEAT_OK

**Impact:** Faster heartbeats, less token burn

### 4. ✅ Isolated Cron Jobs
- Documented in `AGENTS.md`: heartbeat vs cron distinction
- Heartbeat for batched checks with conversational context
- Cron for precise timing and isolated execution
- Subagent-driven tasks for complex work

**Impact:** Better separation of concerns

### 5. ✅ Orchestrator Pattern
- Added to `SOUL.md`: conductor mindset
- Decompose → Delegate → Coordinate → Integrate
- Rule: >5 min or >3 steps = consider subagents

**Impact:** Better task management for complex work

### 6. ✅ Skills Audit Documentation
- Created `memory/SKILLS_AUDIT.md`
- Identified 58 total skills
- Categorized: Active, Context-Specific, Potentially Unused
- Estimated 60-70% token savings possible

**Impact:** Roadmap for further optimization

### 7. ✅ Boot Sequence Updates
- Updated `AGENTS.md` to include BRAIN.md in boot sequence
- Updated `SESSION_STARTUP.md` with BRAIN.md step
- Verified no BOOT.md (only BOOTSTRAP.md exists, which is correct)

**Impact:** Proper initialization order

---

## Files Modified/Created

| File | Action | Purpose |
|------|--------|---------|
| `BRAIN.md` | Created | External memory system |
| `AGENTS.md` | Modified | Added BRAIN.md, write discipline |
| `SOUL.md` | Modified | Added orchestrator pattern |
| `HEARTBEAT.md` | Rewritten | <3s efficiency optimization |
| `SESSION_STARTUP.md` | Modified | Updated boot sequence |
| `memory/LEARNINGS.md` | Created | Mistake log |
| `memory/SKILLS_AUDIT.md` | Created | Skills documentation |
| `memory/heartbeat-state.json` | Created | State tracking |

---

## Ramya's Recommendations vs Implementation

| Recommendation | Status | Notes |
|----------------|--------|-------|
| Check for BOOT.md | ✅ N/A | Only BOOTSTRAP.md exists (correct) |
| Boot sequence at top of AGENTS.md | ✅ Verified | Already correct |
| Audit skills folder | ✅ Documented | 58 skills, audit in SKILLS_AUDIT.md |
| Implement write discipline | ✅ Added | MANDATORY section in AGENTS.md |
| Create BRAIN.md | ✅ Created | Full external memory system |
| Optimize heartbeat | ✅ Rewritten | <3s target with state tracking |
| Curate MEMORY.md | ✅ OK | Already ~40 lines (healthy) |
| Apply orchestrator pattern | ✅ Added | To SOUL.md |

---

## Expected Benefits

1. **Reduced Token Usage** - External memory reduces context window bloat
2. **Faster Heartbeats** - State tracking prevents redundant checks
3. **Better Knowledge Persistence** - Write discipline ensures continuity
4. **Cleaner Architecture** - Orchestrator pattern for complex tasks
5. **Maintainable System** - Documented patterns and conventions

---

## Next Steps (Not Urgent)

1. Consolidate redundant iOS skills (11 → 5-6)
2. Merge Firebase skills (6 → 2-3)
3. Set up monthly /context detail audit
4. Implement lazy skill loading if supported
