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About

Christoph Glocker is a pioneer in the mathematical modeling of complex mechanical systems, with a particular focus on non-smooth dynamics and robotics. His work centers on developing rigorous frameworks to simulate systems involving friction, impact, and unilateral constraints—phenomena that traditional smooth dynamics struggle to capture. Glocker’s major contributions include the creation of non-smooth 3D models for snake robots, which incorporate frictional unilateral constraints and external obstacles to enable obstacle-aided locomotion. These models, grounded in convex analysis, provide a systematic way to handle contact forces and Coulomb friction, offering a powerful tool for roboticists designing agile, limbless robots. His research extends to hybrid rigid-body systems, optimal control, and microactuators, including the wireless resonant magnetic microactuator (WRMMA) for microrobots. Glocker also explored the self-locking phenomenon in impact clutches for underactuated manipulators. While his citation counts (e.g., 15 and 13 for his snake robot papers) reflect a specialized audience, his work has been foundational for researchers in non-smooth mechanics and robotics, influencing fields from locomotion to micro-robotics. His rigorous, mathematically elegant approach continues to inspire students and engineers tackling real-world contact and impact problems.