TLDR:
AI-driven vending machines selling ammunition in grocery stores in Alabama use facial recognition for age verification and ID scanning. Machines created by American Rounds, approved by ATF, but one location in Tuscaloosa removed after legality questioned.
Full Article:
A pair of grocery stores in Alabama have introduced artificial intelligence-powered vending machines that sell firearm ammunition. The machines, located in Fresh Value stores in Tuscaloosa and Pell City, employ facial recognition technology to verify a customer’s age and ID, making it easier to purchase ammo.
The company behind the machines, American Rounds, has created a secure automated retail machine. CEO Grant Magers explained in a video how the technology works, stating that they can age verify customers by scanning their driver’s license and conducting a facial recognition scan to match the purchase to the ID.
While customers expressed excitement over the convenience of the ammo kiosk, the Tuscaloosa location’s machine was taken down after its legality was questioned during a city council meeting. Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner initially thought the idea of ammunition vending machines in grocery stores was a joke.
However, it was later confirmed by Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley that the vending machines are legal and approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. American Rounds has already installed machines in four other locations in Oklahoma and plans to expand further into Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.