A Nigerian Scientist, Oluwatobi Oyinlola has set Guinness World Record for Smallest GPS Tracker Prototype
In a groundbreaking achievement that has placed Nigeria firmly on the global map of innovation, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, a Nigerian researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has developed the world’s smallest GPS tracking device prototype.
Measuring an astonishing 22.93 mm x 11.92 mm (0.90 x 0.46 inches)—smaller than a thumbprint, this cutting-edge invention has earned Tobi a prestigious Guinness World Records title for the smallest GPS tracking device (prototype).
Tobi’s journey into the world of science and technology began at the age of 13 in a secondary school in Nigeria, where a donation from alumnus and engineer Seyi Makinde introduced him to his first computer lab. “From the moment I booted it up, I was absolutely captivated,” Tobi recalled in an interview with Guinness World Records. Spending countless hours tinkering with programs and exploring the intricacies of computer systems, Tobi’s curiosity was ignited, setting him on a path to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated innovators.
A graduate of the University of Rwanda, Tobi has consistently demonstrated a passion for using technology to address real-world challenges. His earlier work in pioneering pay-as-you-go solar energy systems in Nigeria earned him recognition as one of the Most Influential Young Nigerians in 2018 and 2019. Tobi’s contributions to smart cities, gas solutions in Rwanda, and solar-powered workstations have also garnered praise from world leaders, cementing his reputation as a visionary in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and urban data.
The inspiration for the record-breaking GPS tracker stemmed from Tobi’s frustration with the limitations of existing GPS devices, which were too bulky, power-intensive, or heavy for integration into smaller systems. “I realized that if we wanted to embed GPS functionality into cutting-edge wearables, medical devices, or tiny sensors, we needed to dramatically shrink the technology,” Tobi explained. His vision was to create a compact, versatile GPS tracker that could be seamlessly embedded into a wide range of applications, from medical microchips and wildlife tracking tags to personal safety devices and consumer electronics.
Developed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Tobi’s prototype features a custom printed circuit board, an embedded antenna, and a microcontroller with Bluetooth capabilities, allowing it to receive GPS signals, log location data, and stream information wirelessly, all without the need for an external antenna. This standalone prototype is not only remarkably small but also scalable, making it adaptable for both small-scale and large-scale systems.
Its potential applications are vast, ranging from enhancing personal safety to revolutionizing wildlife conservation and medical technology.
The rigorous process of earning the Guinness World Records title involved independent verification by two engineers and an architect, who confirmed the functionality and dimensions of Tobi’s device. On April 27, 2025, his dream became reality when Guinness World Records officially recognized his prototype as the smallest GPS tracking device in the world.
The achievement was met with widespread acclaim, including a heartfelt commendation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised Tobi on social media, stating, “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” Tobi’s accomplishment was also featured on TVC News Nigeria, inspiring countless young Nigerians to pursue their dreams in STEM.
For Tobi, this invention is more than a technological marvel; it is a testament to his mission to change the world through innovation. “I want to create technologies that solve problems and improve everyday life for people around the globe,” he said. “Whether it’s improving access to technology in underserved communities or designing devices that save lives, I see innovation as a way to make a positive impact.”
