test-repo/OPTIMIZATION_SUMMARY.md

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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