E.A.R.L. vs Chris Barnes

One of the most important members of the Equipment Specifications and Certifications team at the United States Bowling Congress isn't a scientist, it's a state-of-the-art ball-throwing robot named E.A.R.L.

E.A.R.L. (Enhanced Automated Robotic Launcher) is designed to be able to consistently simulate any type of bowling style with an accuracy and consistency on the lanes that no human bowler can achieve. Those qualities make E.A.R.L. invaluable in the many studies necessary to keep up with the ever-changing bowling ball industry.

The newest member of the team, E.A.R.L. has been brought in to replace the organization's first robot, Harry, which was introduced in 1999 and recently was retired after more than a decade of research.

Harry was a unique, computer-controlled hybrid machine partly encased in safety glass that combined hydraulics, air pressure and electronics to power a mechanical arm that delivered bowling balls to help test balls, lanes, pins and oil patterns. Harry was similar to the United States Golf Association's robotic golfer "Iron Byron," whose mechanical arm swings golf clubs for research purposes.

The Equipment & Specifications Department within the United States Bowling Congress is responsible for setting and governing the specification limits of all equipment and machinery used in the sport. Recently, one of the department's objectives was defined as understanding which bowling ball properties affect ball motion and whether current or new specifications for bowling equipment need to be modified or developed. The full report of this research can be found by clicking on the link below.

Ball Motion Study

Ball Motion Presentation

Critical Factors of Ball Motion

Since completion of the Ball Motion Study in 2008, USBC has stated that if factors were determined to have a high impact on ball motion, a specification would be developed if one was not in place. Conversely, if factors were determined to have a lesser impact on ball motion, further studies would be conducted to investigate if modifying or removing specifications relating to those elements needed to occur.

Bowlers, pro shop operators, some manufacturers and much of the industry has expressed concerns that static weights are no longer relevant in today’s world of high-performance bowling balls that are affected more by ball dynamics and cover stock chemistry. Many called for an increase in the maximum static weight allowance or an outright elimination of the USBC static weight specification altogether.

In response, the USBC began studying the degree to which static weights affect ball motion. This study – partially completed this past May 2011 – illustrated that if the current USBC static weight limits were eliminated or increased, the typical three-phase motion of bowling balls as they travel down a lane (skid, hook, then roll) would be significantly altered. A fourth phase of unpredictable motion begins to occur that would cause problems for bowlers and pro shop operators leading to an undesirable effect on the lanes.

Click here to read about the results of the study.

Click here to view PowerPoint

• Ball Approval Process
• Pin Approval Process
• USBC Laboratory
• E.A.R.L. vs Chris Barnes

Vision Statement: To uphold the credibility of bowling by being the leading source of technical information.

Mission Statement: Through our passion we bring science, technology and bowling together in order to solve problems, answer questions, and implement specifications. We accomplish this by providing expert technical services and sound statistical analyses to ensure the future of bowling.

The Equipment Specifications and Certifications Team: research engineers, a research chemist and research technicians test bowling balls, pins, lane surfaces and oils to make sure that those four factors of the sport meet the standards set by USBC before they can be used in USBC-certified leagues or tournaments.

A significant amount of resources and behind-the-scenes effort are invested by the Equipment Specifications and Certifications Team to make sure that no matter what center you're bowling in across the country or around the world, your bowling experience is as fair as it is enjoyable. When you're bowling well, you're enjoying the sport more. This team of individuals works closely with the USBC coaching department and the training side of the ITRC (International Training and Research Center) to assist in developing new technologies that will help you improve your game.