Update Man Vs. Machine
USBC’s new robotic bowler clashes with PBA legend Chris Barnes.
PERHAPS SOMEDAY humanity will live under the cold metal heel of our robotic overlords, but for now in an epic battle of man versus machine, the newest member of the Equipment Specifications and Certifications team at USBC proved that people are still squarely in charge. E.A.R.L. (Enhanced
Automated Robotic Launcher) is a one-armed bowling robot used by USBC researchers to test gear. E.A.R.L. can be programmed to roll consistent shots over and over, can throw from 10 to 24 mph, and can spin balls up from 50 to 900 revolutions per minute, a much wider range than a human bowler can. E.A.R.L. replaces Harry, a robot USBC has used since 1999, but has recently retired. On Oct. 19, E.A.R.L. had
its formal coming out party when it showed off its skills against USBC spokesperson and PBA star Chris Barnes at the International Bowling Campus on Oct. 19. Reporters and invited
guests were on hand to wit- ness E.A.R.L.’s first competi- tion. E.A.R.L. duplicated shot after shot while Barnes took his time reading the lanes and making subtle adjust- ments. The robot soon found
it’s not easy to knock out a legend, especially in your first real bowling match, and Barnes beat E.A.R.L., 259-209, in the one-game
32 30 USBOWLER FALL 2010
competition. But that doesn’t mean great things aren’t still in store for bowling’s top- ranked non-human bowler. “E.A.R.L. has more abili-
ties than any of the robots I’ve seen before, and to have something to use for testing that is as precise and depend- able is very important for the future of the sport,” Barnes said. “I am a fan of technol- ogy, and I’m really intrigued by what E.A.R.L. can do. Today was a lot of fun, and I’m sure when they have some more time to work with it, it will only get better. I’m not sure I want a rematch in six months.” While E.A.R.L. is capable
of shooting a perfect game, luck wasn’t with him that
CLASH OF THE TITANS: Click on the play button (above left) to watch special video coverage of E.A.R.L.’s historic match against Chris Barnes.
WINTER 2010-11
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