Now it’s ammo dispensing machines that are appearing in grocery stores across the southern U.S., particularly in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama. These machines utilize artificial intelligence for operation.
In these states, you can buy ammunition at the age of 18 or older for all shoulder-fired weapons such as rifles and shotguns.
Concerning what some people call vending machines, or
Automated Ammo Retail Machine
(AARM), their use is quite simple: one must stand in front of the machine and insert an ID card. A facial recognition software then analyses the buyer’s face and verifies if they are of the required age to own ammunition.
Integrated AI
The company responsible for these vending machines,
American Rounds
, states:
“Our intelligent automated ammunition vending machines have integrated AI technology, an [ID] card scanning capability, and facial recognition software.”
This information was reported by the media
BFMTV.
Of course, the idea isn’t welcomed by everyone. While facial recognition is seen as positive, some criticise the location of these vending machines (in grocery stores, where children can come and go) as well as the lack of “human” supervision. Indeed, the machine doesn’t detect possible buyer backgrounds.
(MH with Raphaël Liset – Source: BFMTV/Francetvinfo – Illustration: ©Unsplash)
