Gun owners in Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas are now able to go into grocery stores and buy ammo straight out of a vending machine that’s as easy to use as an ATM. American Rounds, the company behind the innovation, says the machines are similar to traditional vending machines but use sophisticated AI facial recognition software to ensure that the purchase is legal. Federal law requires that purchasers of ammo for rifles must be 18 and for handguns 21. There’s no limitation on the amount of ammunition that buyers can purchase. To use the machine, customers use the touch screen to make their selection based on the type of gun involved — long guns or handguns. After making the selection users verify their identity by inserting their state issued ID. This prompts the machine’s 360 facial recognition software to verify that the person in the ID picture is the same person making the purchase. Once that’s approved, users then move to the payment option before receiving their ammo. The company is currently looking to expand its operations to Louisiana and Colorado.
