Oluwatobi Oyinlola, a young Nigerian tech whiz, has created the smallest GPS tracking device in the world. The prototype is only 22.93 x 11.92 mm (0.90 x 0.46 in).
The device, which has been recognised by Guinness World Records, was developed on April 27 at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, where he works as a researcher.
Guinness World Records describes Oluwatobi as someone who believes in “pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, especially when it comes to miniaturising technology.”
The GPS tracking device has been praised for its potential in various fields, including medical devices, wildlife monitoring, logistics, and personal safety.
Praises for Oluwatobi Oyinlola
Oluwatobi’s limitless potential across industries and everyday applications has been praised by the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and tech enthusiasts.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Oyinlola for demonstrating the creativity of the young people of the West African nation and celebrated the accomplishment. “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” he wrote.
In a post on his social platforms on Wednesday, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, described the invention as a representation of technological promise and patriotism.
He noted his early support for the young inventor’s IoT startup and praised Oyinlola’s journey. “Long before this global recognition, I had the privilege of backing Oluwatobi. His journey, now continuing at MIT, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of our people,” Tijani said.
The prototype not only represents a significant advancement in technology, but it also demonstrates Nigeria’s expanding role in international innovation. Bosun Tijani noted that as Nigeria steps up its efforts to develop its own tech talent, Oyinlola’s success serves as a model for the upcoming generation of innovators.
“The world is only beginning to see what you’re capable of,” said the Minister.
In expressing his congratulations, Abíọ́dún Ṣówẹ̀mímọ́, President of Cyberpedia Internet Governance, emphasised the significance of this accomplishment, stating that it is not only a personal milestone for Oyinlola but also a proud representation of Africa’s increasing influence and presence in global technology and innovation.
“Oluwatobi’s groundbreaking work is a shining testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and excellence that African talents continue to bring to the global arena,” he said. “At Cyberpedia, we deeply value the advancement of Internet Governance, digital progress, and innovation across the continent. We are proud to see African innovators making headlines and setting new standards worldwide.”
Who is Oluwatobi Oyinlola
Oluwatobi is presently working as a researcher at the Senseable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is working on projects related to urban data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
He was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, on 10 May 1992. He is a graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education.
Prior to joining MIT, he was a World Bank scholar who earned a Master’s degree in Internet of Things, Embedded Computing System, from the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things, University of Rwanda. His thesis focused on a smart bracelet that recognises handshakes for information exchange.
He developed the hardware prototype in Nigeria in 2015, built the first pay-as-you-go solar energy systems in Nigeria, and travelled to Rizhao, China, for mass production. In 2018 and 2019, he was named one of the Most Influential Young Nigerians.
He was chosen as a highly skilled technical specialist by the French government in 2019 to create smart city solutions. Kristalina Georgieva, the CEO of the World Bank and currently the Managing Director of the IMF, acknowledged him for creating a pay-as-you-cook solution that enables Rwandans to use LPG gas. For creating the first solar-powered workstation with Internet of Things capabilities, he was shortlisted for the UK Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize in 2022.
In the avionics industry, he also works with rLoop Incorporated, a business dedicated to developing the Hyperloop transportation concept first put forth by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
He currently holds the positions of Open-Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) Board Member and Intel Advisory Board Member for IoT.