Vending machines by American Rounds dispense shotgun shells and bullets, requiring buyers to be at least 21 years old|@americanrounds|X

In Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama, some grocery shoppers have started using vending machines to sell ammunition, according to the Associated Press. These high-tech machines dispense shotgun shells and bullets, requiring buyers to be at least 21 years old.

It uses AI and facial recognition technology to verify buyers’ ages and match them to their IDs, making the purchase process quick and secure, says CEO Grant Magers.

American Rounds, the company behind these machines, has installed them in 10 grocery stores and plans to expand to Colorado. It believes this method is safer than traditional sales because it prevents theft and unauthorized purchases.

However, opinions are mixed. Some see these vending machines as practical for rural areas, while others express safety concerns, preferring traditional sales methods over automated ones.

For instance, Noble, Oklahoma, with a population of about 7,000, now offers local ammunition purchases, saving residents from traveling long distances. In the US, approximately 32% of households own guns, with rural areas having higher ownership rates.

Meanwhile, in 2022, the FBI reported 14,748 gun-related homicides in the US.