Yakov Bobrov is a senior engineering executive with 25 years experience building and leading high-performance R&D teams across semiconductors, life sciences, medical devices, and deep tech. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and brings rare depth across mechatronics, automation, machine vision, and systems engineering — combined with the strategic instincts of a seasoned executive.
Yakov is known for delivering complex programs on time and within budget. He has guided companies through M&A on both sides of the deal, championed AI/ML adoption in instrumentation, and personally authored multiple patents. He is passionate about mentoring engineers and fostering collaborative, innovation-driven cultures.
Electrical circuit energization is one of the most hazardous tasks on a construction site. During initial power-up or post-maintenance, arc flash events can generate extreme temperatures and expose electricians to potentially catastrophic risks—even with extensive protective equipment.
In this session, Hardhat Robotics will introduce SparkE-B, a mobile robot designed to remove workers from the arc flash zone by enabling electricians to remotely perform circuit energization. The session will explore the challenges of deploying robots in dynamic construction environments, the engineering behind safety-critical robotic systems, and how AI-enabled autonomy could help skilled tradespeople dramatically increase productivity.
