Dr Olaoluwa Popoola he/him

I work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and advanced wireless connectivity, with a focus on building intelligent, connected systems that operate robustly in real-world environments. My passion lies in exploring how autonomous systems—whether ground robots, vehicles, or wearable devices—can learn, adapt, and coordinate under uncertainty, especially when communication is intermittent or constrained. My research leverages 5G/6G networks, edge intelligence, and reinforcement learning to enable new capabilities in areas such as mission-critical monitoring, digital inclusion, and industrial autonomy.

At the Robotics and Connectivity Lab, we investigate real-time control, sensor fusion, and intelligent coordination of autonomous agents in complex environments. From zero-touch management of robotic fleets to low-cost 5G testbeds for unconnected communities, we build practical systems grounded in rigorous engineering and driven by real-world impact. We have ongoing collaborations with industry and national labs, and I’m always keen to build new partnerships, especially those that bring in expertise from biology-inspired control, policy, or health data.

I see the CDT as a rich opportunity to co-develop interdisciplinary PhD projects that span AI, systems engineering, and societal need. I’m particularly interested in projects exploring low-latency perception and control, AI-driven resilience in connected infrastructure, and robotics for digital equity. I aim to supervise projects where students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, blend disciplines, and engage meaningfully with external stakeholders.

As a supervisor, I value clarity, curiosity, and collaboration. My approach is structured but adaptable—I co-create research roadmaps with my students and provide mentoring tailored to their strengths and goals. Several of my past students have gone on to work in research-intensive roles in academia and industry, including deep tech startups and telecommunications R&D.

Equity and inclusion are central to how I build my group and choose collaborators. I actively mentor underrepresented students, have contributed to widening participation initiatives, and work to remove barriers to engagement in engineering research. On a personal note, I’m driven by curiosity and impact—but I also enjoy long walks, strong coffee, and building things that just work.