Octavus Agents use three complementary memory layers to retain context while they work: short-term memory, long-term memory, and notes. Each layer holds a different kind of information.
Short-term memory
Short-term memory records an Agent's recent activities and information. It can include work the Agent has just completed, an email it sent, or a call it made.
Short-term memories are useful for recent context, but they tend to expire after a few days. Relevant information is consolidated into long-term memory.
Long-term memory
Long-term memory contains durable facts that matter to an Agent's general understanding of your company or organization.
Both short-term and long-term memory are loaded into the Agent's context. That means the Agent can use this information as it works without needing to retrieve it first.
Notes
Notes hold longer reference material, such as information you might keep in a notes app or a Google Doc. An Agent can reference a note when it needs the detail, without having to keep the full note in its context.
| Memory type | Best for | How the Agent uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term memory | Recent activities and information | Keeps recent context, then expires after a few days. |
| Long-term memory | Durable facts about your organization | Stays available in the Agent's context. |
| Notes | Longer reference material | The Agent looks up the detail when it needs it. |
Let your Agent maintain its memory
You can review and manually edit memory, which gives you visibility into what an Agent knows. In most cases, manual edits are not necessary. Octavus Agents are designed to build and maintain their own memory as they work.
Next steps
Use this model when you give an Agent information: recent work can remain short-term context, durable company knowledge belongs in long-term memory, and longer material can live in notes.