Petri Kokkonen

University of Eastern Finland, Université Paris-Sud

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Petri Kokkonen is a mathematician whose work lies at the intersection of differential geometry, control theory, and robotics. His primary research focus is the classical "rolling problem," which examines how one Riemannian manifold can roll over another without slipping or spinning. Kokkonen’s major contribution is a comprehensive historical and theoretical survey of this problem, tracing its development from classical results to modern geometric control applications. His most-cited work, "The rolling problem: overview and challenges" (2014), has garnered 18 citations, while an earlier version from 2013 adds 4 more, establishing him as a key reference in this niche but impactful field. By clarifying the geometric constraints and control-theoretic implications of non-slip, non-spin rolling, Kokkonen has provided a foundational resource for researchers studying motion planning, robotic manipulation, and nonholonomic systems. His work bridges pure mathematics and applied engineering, offering both a historical account and a roadmap for future challenges. For students and researchers, Kokkonen’s scholarship exemplifies how deep theoretical insights can drive practical innovation in robotics and geometric control.