Americans in Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas, are now able to go into grocery stores and pickup ammo straight out of a vending machine that's 'as easy to use as an ATM.' 

American Rounds, the company behind the innovation, says that the machines are similar to traditional vending machines but use sophisticated AI facial recognition software to ensure that the purchase is legal. 

The majority of laws around the purchase of ammo in the US revolve around age restrictions. Federal law demands that purchasers of ammo for rifles must be 18 and for handguns, 21.

There is no limitations on the amount of ammunition that buyers can purchase. 

'Our smart retail automated ammo dispensers have built-in AI technology, card scanning capability and facial recognition software,' the company boasts on its website. 

'Each piece of software works together to verify the person using the machine matches the identification scanned.'

The presence of the machines was first reported at the beginning of July with Cleveland.com mentioning that they were operational in six locations across Oklahoma and Alabama. 

Shortly afterwards, the presence of a machine in Tuscaloosa became the subject of a city council meeting leading to its removal because of zoning issues. The store maintains it was removed because of lack of sales. 

'We are still happy to be working with Fresh Value, Pell City, and we have plans to expand with Fresh Value to their other locations,' American Rounds CEO Grant Magers told Al.com.

'The city of Tuscaloosa has been very supportive, and we are thankful for that support,' he added. 

The company is currently looking at expanding its operations into Louisiana and Colorado. In an interview with Newsweek, Magers said that the machines were now in four states and that it will shortly be expanded to eight.