News Desk
In a development that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, supermarkets in Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama are installing ammunition vending machines powered by artificial intelligence. These machines, known as Automated Ammo Retail Machines (AARM), enable customers to easily purchase ammunition for rifles and shotguns.
The process is straightforward: customers stand in front of the machine, enter their ID, and the machine’s facial recognition software verifies their age and eligibility. In these states, individuals aged 18 and older are legally permitted to buy ammunition for shoulder-fired weapons.
American Rounds, the company behind AARM, promotes the technology as both convenient and secure. “Our intelligent automated ammunition vending machines have built-in AI technology, ID card scanning capabilities, and facial recognition software,” the company stated.
The introduction of these machines has not been without controversy. Critics argue that placing the machines in grocery stores, frequented by families and children, is inappropriate. They also raise concerns about the absence of human oversight, noting that the machines do not screen for the buyer’s criminal history or other red flags.
In the United States, gun ownership is deeply embedded in the cultural and political fabric. The country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, with about 120 guns per 100 residents. This widespread availability has been linked to a high incidence of gun violence. In 2023 alone, there were over 600 mass shootings in the United States, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.
The new AARM machines, now operational, represent a significant shift in how ammunition is retailed, reflecting the broader debate about gun rights and public safety in America.
