The Yaka originated from the Yaka system and were a species of Near-Human cyborgs. The Arkanians, renowned for their genetic modifications, equipped this naturally unintelligent race with cybernetic enhancements many years prior to the Galactic Empire's emergence. While certain Arkanians considered this a positive change for the Yaka, other Arkanians with a greater social awareness wondered if this was an ethical thing to do.
Yakas had the appearance of imposing, tall near-Humans, and it was obvious they had cybernetic implants. They typically stood around 2 meters tall and had a large build with substantial limbs. At birth, each Yaka received a cybernetic brain implant that granted them extraordinary intelligence. Because of this alteration, the Yaka became recognized as one of the most intellectually gifted and technologically sophisticated species in the known galaxy and universe. Furthermore, Yaka faces typically lacked any expression as a result of this.
A detrimental consequence of the cybernetic alterations to the Yaka brain was that all Yaka developed a profoundly warped sense of humor. Their minds worked at a rapid pace and became easily tired of their own thoughts. To stave off boredom, they engaged in sarcastic remarks and practical jokes aimed at others. Moreover, they displayed a peculiar talent for detecting irony in somber circumstances where others failed to do so.
Yakas reproduced in a manner similar to the majority of humanoid species and chose to implant their own offspring, wishing for them to have the same intelligence as themselves. Their cybernetic enhancements shared similarities with those of Ganks, albeit significantly more advanced. Mammon Hoole, a Senior Anthropologist, reportedly remarked that Gank circuitry served as a preliminary trial for the eventual implementation on the Yaka.