The Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially certified Oluwatobi Oyinlola, a Nigerian researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for creating the world’s smallest GPS tracking device.
In a blog post, GWR revealed that the GPS device, smaller than a thumbprint, measures 22.93 mm x 11.92 mm and works across various systems including medical chips to everyday technology.
Oyinlola developed, designed, and produced the tracker in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After its creation, the device underwent rigorous testing by two independent engineers and an architect to confirm its functionality.
The device features a custom-printed circuit board and an embedded antenna. It can receive GPS signals, log location data, and transmit that data via Bluetooth.
Oyinlola shared that his motivation stemmed from the need to miniaturize GPS technology for advanced wearables, medical devices, and small sensors.
“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,” he said.
“I was inspired by the endless possibilities a tiny GPS unit could unlock. Imagine being able to track wildlife with a tag practically invisible to the animal, or equipping personal safety devices with a GPS that’s nearly undetectable.
“My goal was to develop a tracker so compact that it could be embedded in almost any object or device – from consumer electronics to critical safety gear – without compromising functionality.”
He said the innovation, which began as a personal challenge, became a world record attempt after he realised its potential for global impact.
“At first, it was just a personal challenge. But once I realized how small and functional the device actually was, I thought – why not take it a step further and attempt a world record?” he added.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier lauded Oyinlola for the feat, saying that he showed “the world that Nigerian youth can”.
Oyinlola graduated from the University of Rwanda and went on to pioneer the first pay-as-you-go solar energy systems in Nigeria.
He has received several accolades for his innovation, including being named among the Most Influential Young Nigerians in 2018 and 2019.
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