An AI-based vending machine that sells bullets has appeared in the US, sparking controversy. The machine claims to be safer than traditional sales methods by utilizing facial recognition technology to confirm the client’s identity.
Business Insider reported on the ninth that American Rounds, an American ammunition distributor, has installed the primary ammunition vending machines that may sell ammunition 24 hours a day, 7 days every week, in various stores in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas.
This method verifies purchase eligibility with an ID card and uses AI to acknowledge the face to verify that the owner of the ID card is correct.
The corporate explained in a promotional video that the vending machines were initially placed in areas with high hunting activity, “to free people from the inconvenience of store hours and features.”
Bullet vending machines are installed alongside other vending machines selling drinks and magazines at American grocery chain Fresh Value, they usually are set to expand to Colorado this week.
While most individuals welcomed the video, some strongly opposed it, even going to this point as to say, “That is the top of the world.”
“Though this technology has undergone rigorous security vetting, it’s not 100% secure from hacking,” said Andrew Whiley, chief technology officer at cybersecurity firm Promon. “It’s just yet another attack surface for cybercriminals, who can exploit vulnerabilities inherent within the facial recognition system itself.”
But American Rounds CEO Grant Major stressed that “that is the safest technique to buy ammunition in the US.”
He noted that he often sees open boxes of ammunition sitting on shelves in retail stores, and said such carelessness couldn’t occur in a vending machine.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the variety of cases of facial recognition technology being introduced into vending machines is increasing in the US. Recently, it was reported that some university vending machines were equipped with facial recognition devices to forestall theft or accidents, which caused controversy.
Reporter Im Dae-jun ydj@aitimes.com
