In the United States, a step further into madness with ammunition vending machines

And now it is ammunition vending machines that are making their way into supermarkets in the southern United States, in Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama. Machines that operate with AI (artificial intelligence).

In these states, it's permitted to purchase ammunition from the age of 18, for all shoulder-mounted weapons: rifles and shotguns.

Regarding the so-called 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)