Not only has Dar Rovner proven himself in electro-optic abilities, but he seems to have superpowers, as if able to be at several places at once: working as an engineer, studying for his Master’s degree in autonomous systems, and being a devoted dad to Omer, his 3-year-old daughter. “We have terrific support from our managers who let us lead, develop and pave the way; and above all, engineers who give their heart and soul,” he says.
My story
Dar joined Elbit as a student of electro-optic operations research, about eight years ago, and now leads the unit as a system engineer. He has vast knowledge on a range of disciplines, including operations research, opto-mechanics, electro-optic characterization, and system engineering; and he stays up to date on the latest developments. During the last year, Dar was involved in two major contract awards: the first one is low-cost tactical armaments for infantry, and the second is a demo for navigational systems under impaired visibility conditions. The first project, which also incorporated technological abilities of the Land and IMI division, is presently transitioning from development to mass production. “The project succeeded by applying existing knowledge on terrain dominance, so the abilities of the Aerospace division were integrated into Land and IMI products. Projects that used to have to rely on powerful servers, today fit into systems the size of a can,” he says.
According to Dar, the development of the navigational algorithm is performed by engineers in the IBIS group (Image-Based Innovative Solutions) and precision munitions, who moved to the Land and IMI division, but their collaboration remains strong. “Following the acquisition of IMI, we gained significant synergy opportunities for advanced R&D that allow our technology to be integrated into new platforms”, he says. And it goes both ways, the infrastructure the unit is building for land forces’ activity, also serves electro-optic projects in our Aerospace division.
Dar is married to Mor, who he met on a trip to Bolivia. The family lives in Tirat Hacarmel. “I came to Haifa while studying for a bachelor’s degree in electric engineering at the Technion University. I’m presently in the middle of my Master’s degree in autonomous systems, because the technological world has become highly developed, especially in areas of AI and deep learning, and we want to be at the frontline, not left behind,” he smiles.
He grew up in Kfar Saba with two brothers and a sister – all three are also engineers. “Our household placed emphasis on excellence in education, and just as much to life itself: traveling, social activities, and strong bonding between the siblings. I believe in a strong bonding approach at work as well. You have to be a ‘people person’ to lead strong teamwork for successful projects like these.”
