US Vending machines dispense ammunition at two Alabama grocery stores: How they work

By William Thornton | wthornton@al.com
Published: Jul. 03, 2024, 1:44 p.m.


A vending machine at two grocery stores in Alabama dispenses ammunition, using artificial intelligence to verify a buyer's age and ID. American Rounds

Two grocery stores in Alabama currently have an automated vending machine that dispenses ammunition.

American Rounds markets an automated ammunition dispenser which uses artificial intelligence technology to verify a buyer’s identification and age through card scanning and facial recognition software.

The buyer inserts their photo ID, and the machine conducts a 360-degree scan to match it to the ID card.

The machines can currently be found at Fresh Value locations in Tuscaloosa, at 4200 McFarland Blvd., and Pell City, 1009 Martin St. The company plans to expand to other locations in Alabama as well, according to CEO Grant Magers.

Spoiler: Archive

Magers said the Pell City store approached the company about installing one of the machines, thinking it was a “good opportunity for their customer base.”

Terry Stanley, COO of Fresh Value, in a promotional video, said the kiosk is a big hit with customers.

“Anything we can do to help them make their shopping trips easier, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from customers today, they are so excited about us having this ammo kiosk,” Stanley said.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley was quoted in The Tuscaloosa Thread as saying the machines are legal and approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Source (Archive)

 

[DumbDude43]

sometimes i really really wish i was american
this is one of those times

 

[William Murderface]

"Dear Lord,

I have seen what you have done for other people, and I want you to do those same things for me."

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

I'm a little surprised this hasn't been tried before. Either way kudos and more power to them.

 

[William Murderface]

sometimes i really really wish i was american
this is one of those times

I used to have a barber who sold me ammo when I'd get my haircut.

 

[Neo-Nazi Rich Evans]

just in time for null to move back here. though i doubt they sell what he really wants: .308 AP troon killing rounds.

 

[DumbDude43]

I'm a little surprised this hasn't been tried before. Either way kudos and more power to them.

vending machines with working age verification system weren't really feasible

now they're trying with AI. i wonder how easy it is to fool the AI with a fake ID?

 

[Walrus and Carpenter 2.0]

I've seen beer vending machines before but they were always just repurposed soda machines at volunteer fire stations.

 

[TheOtherSideofMakeBelieve]

I'd be curious to try it, mostly just for fun, but I'm worried they're saving/selling the scan data

 

[quaawaa]

i wonder how easy it is to fool the AI with a fake ID?

I'm guessing they scan the ID, ask the DMV database for your photo, and then use facial recognition to make sure that you're the person the ID belongs to. It's way harder to trick this sort of system than a bouncer.

 

[William Murderface]

vending machines with working age verification system weren't really feasible

now they're trying with AI. i wonder how easy it is to fool the AI with a fake ID?

Meh, if we got through decades with cigarette vending machines everywhere in the 70s and 80s we could get through this.

 

[crunchy bits are the best]

Finally, a dream come true that usually existed in video games.

Postal 2 Paradise Lost vending machine

 

[Chickin BBQ]

The AI bit is complete BS considering most of the data is stored in that fancy wittle QR code you got on the back of your license. No AI needed.

 

[Cirrhosis_of_Liver]

If you shake them, they dispense bullets without powder and case.

 

[Higgs Bonbon]

Good. More of this, please.

 

[TowinKarz]

Can we make it so a little version of MS Clippy shows up if the software detects you're angry/scowling as you buy?


"It looks like you're extremely upset. Are you sure now is a good time to buy ammo?"

* No, I probably should go cool off.
* Yes, the rotten summbich deserves it.


"Would you like to buy a larger caliber? Just to be safe?"

* No
* Yes

 

[AnsemSoD1]

Braindead Gen Alphas: "ItS jUsT lIkE FORTNITE!!!!!"

 

[Standardized Profile]

American Rounds markets an automated ammunition dispenser which uses artificial intelligence technology to verify a buyer’s identification and age through card scanning and facial recognition software.

Why would the buyer's identity and age matter? They're definitely using this data for something else.

 

[quaawaa]

Why would the buyer's identity and age matter? They're definitely using this data for something else.

Because it’s federal law:

Does a customer have to be a certain age to buy firearms or ammunition from a licensee?​

Yes. Under the Gun Control Act (GCA), shotguns and rifles, and ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 18 years of age or older. All firearms other than shotguns and rifles, and all ammunition other than ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years of age or older. Licensees are bound by the minimum age requirements established by the GCA regardless of state or local law. However, if state law or local ordinances establish a higher minimum age for the purchase or disposition of firearms, the licensee must observe the higher age requirement.

[18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1) and (b)(2); 27 CFR 478.99(b)]

Source (Archive)

 

[BulkForceFive]

This is one of those things that gets forriners all foaming at the mouth until you tell them that fucking Eaton's used to sell firearms back in the day, as did most department stores, including ones outside of America. My grandfather had a Cooey .410 with the price sticker from the hardware store still on it (40 leafbux).

What I don't get is how the machine could hold both enough ammo and enough selection to make it worthwhile. You go into a gun store - even up here- and they have shit you'd never dream of behind the counter.