What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how controlled retrieval and structured external memory can enhance existing policies under uncertain conditions.

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May 31, 2026Open Access

SPIRAL Cortex: A Policy-First Noetic Memory Architecture for Controlled Retrieval and Auditable Recall

Key Points

The aim is to explore how controlled retrieval and structured external memory can enhance existing policies under uncertain conditions.
Analyzed the effectiveness of SPIRAL Cortex memory architecture through selected SWE-bench protocol-gap cases.
Differentiated between semantic same-subsystem memory and other generic retrieval mechanisms.
Utilized traces to propose future applications in NDT-style trajectory diagnostics.
Demonstrated that structured external memory can causally improve policy performance in ambiguous scenarios.
Found distinct advantages in using semantic memory over generic retrieval methods in specific cases.

Abstract

This working paper introduces SPIRAL Cortex, a policy-first memory architecture for controlled retrieval and auditable recall. Rather than proposing a new model backbone, it studies when structured external memory can causally improve an existing policy under ambiguity. Using selected SWE-bench protocol-gap cases, the paper separates semantic same-subsystem memory from generic retrieval, lesions, and wrong-memory controls, and frames the resulting traces as a future bridge to NDT-style trajectory diagnostics.

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