Firearm mania in the US has reached another peak with gun owners in three states now having&nbsp;the 'convenience' to buy bullets from vending machines in grocery shops.

Shops in the southern states of Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas allow customers to scan their ID on the ammo dispenser similar to a drink vending machine. After going through the plethora of options, the customer can walk away with rounds for their weapon.&nbsp;

American Rounds, the company which devised the ammo dispenser said its device uses Artificial Technology (AI) and that it is as easy to use as an ATM.

"Our smart retail automated ammo dispensers have built-in AI technology, card scanning capability and facial recognition software," the company said.

"Each piece of software works together to verify the buyer’s age and that the person using the machine matches the identification scanned."

The federal law in the US requires&nbsp;a customer to be at least&nbsp;18 years old to purchase ammunition for long guns such as rifles and shotguns, and at least 21 for handgun bullets. American Rounds claims that its&nbsp;identity verification mechanism in the bullet vending machines is able to ensure that only eligible individuals are making the purchase.&nbsp;

The company says it will continue the rollout of the devices in states where hunting is popular, including Louisiana and Colorado.

A store in&nbsp;Tuscaloosa, Alabama, however, removed the machine after its legality was questioned at a city council meeting. The legal department of the city confirmed that the machines were legal if they met proper zoning requirements.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-gun-violence-crisis-how-easy-is-it-to-buy-guns-wion-wideangle-582644">Watch |&nbsp;US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns? | WION Wideangle</a>

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<h2>Rampant gun culture in the US</h2>

The US has long been associated with gun violence as mass shootings, especially in schools and colleges, have become a routine phenomenon, owing to the freedom to buy firearms.&nbsp;

According to a report by the&nbsp;National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM), over 42,000 people died as a result of gun injuries in the US&nbsp;in 2023. The report added that the number of people killed by firearm violence, a leading cause of premature death, grew by nearly 43 per cent&nbsp;between 2010 and 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-alarming-stats-in-charts-us-has-more-gun-dealers-than-mcdonalds-starbucks-outlets-put-together-617139" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | Alarming stats, in charts: US has more gun dealers than McDonald's, Starbucks outlets put together</a>

"In 2023, 35 per cent of gun deaths were homicides, 56 per cent&nbsp;were suicides, nearly four per cent&nbsp;were unintentional shootings, three per cent were police shootings and less than two per cent were mass shootings," the report noted.&nbsp;

Recent months have seen a flurry of cases where young kids and adults have died by the use of firearms but the issue remains contentious at a higher level with both Democrats and Republicans taking a binary position.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Firearm mania in the US has reached another peak with gun owners in three states now having the 'convenience' to buy bullets from vending machines in grocery shops.

Firearm mania in the US has reached another peak with gun owners in three states now having the 'convenience' to buy bullets from vending machines in grocery shops. Shops in the southern states of Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas allow customers to scan their ID on the ammo dispenser similar to a drink vending machine. After going through the plethora of options, the customer can walk away with rounds for their weapon. American Rounds, the company which devised the ammo dispenser said its device uses Artificial Technology (AI) and that it is as easy to use as an ATM. "Our smart retail automated ammo dispensers have built-in AI technology, card scanning capability and facial recognition software," the company said. "Each piece of software works together to verify the buyer’s age and that the person using the machine matches the identification scanned." The federal law in the US requires a customer to be at least 18 years old to purchase ammunition for long guns such as rifles and shotguns, and at least 21 for handgun bullets. American Rounds claims that its identity verification mechanism in the bullet vending machines is able to ensure that only eligible individuals are making the purchase. The company says it will continue the rollout of the devices in states where hunting is popular, including Louisiana and Colorado. A store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, however, removed the machine after its legality was questioned at a city council meeting. The legal department of the city confirmed that the machines were legal if they met proper zoning requirements. Watch | US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns? | WION Wideangle × Rampant gun culture in the US The US has long been associated with gun violence as mass shootings, especially in schools and colleges, have become a routine phenomenon, owing to the freedom to buy firearms. According to a report by the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM), over 42,000 people died as a result of gun injuries in the US in 2023. The report added that the number of people killed by firearm violence, a leading cause of premature death, grew by nearly 43 per cent between 2010 and 2020. Also read | Data Lab | Alarming stats, in charts: US has more gun dealers than McDonald's, Starbucks outlets put together "In 2023, 35 per cent of gun deaths were homicides, 56 per cent were suicides, nearly four per cent were unintentional shootings, three per cent were police shootings and less than two per cent were mass shootings," the report noted. Recent months have seen a flurry of cases where young kids and adults have died by the use of firearms but the issue remains contentious at a higher level with both Democrats and Republicans taking a binary position. (With inputs from agencies)

Firearm mania in US! Vending machines akin to ATMs allow customers to buy bullets

The state police in Massachusetts were full of gratitude for a robotic dog which saved their lives and averted a tragedy, which involved a person who had barricaded himself in a home and was firing at them.

The robotic dog, which was&nbsp;named Roscoe, was working with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad.

On March 6, it was deployed in a Barnstable house after the man started firing upon the police officials. Two robots, which are generally used for bomb disposal, were sent by the police into the house to find the suspect. The robotic dog was also sent inside with them.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/surgical-robot-kills-cancer-patient-after-burning-hole-in-internal-organs-grieving-husband-seeks-justice-690304">US: Surgical robot kills cancer patient after burning hole in internal organs, husband seeks justice</a>

The robotic dog, which is remotely controlled by the state troopers, first checked out&nbsp;the two main floors before they found a person in the basement.&nbsp;

The suspect, who was carrying a rifle, twice knocked over the robotic dog and then shot it three times. After the attack, the robotic dog's communication was disabled.&nbsp;

Then, the person shot one of the other robots after which the police deployed tear gas and arrested the person.

<h2>State police to get new unit of robot dog</h2>

“The incident provided a stark example of the benefits of mobile platforms capable of opening doors and ascending stairs in tactical missions involving armed suspects,” said state police, in a statement.&nbsp;

“In addition to providing critically important room clearance and situational awareness capabilities, the insertion of Roscoe into the suspect residence prevented the need, at that stage of response, from inserting human operators, and may have prevented a police officer from being involved in an exchange of gunfire," it added.

The company Boston Dynamics, which made the robotic dog called as a SPOT robot, in a statement said that it was the first time somebody had shot one of them.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China: Robot dogs can outperform skilled shooters

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“We are relieved that the only casualty that day was our robot,” said the company. “It’s a great example of how mobile robots like Spot can be used to save lives," it added.&nbsp;

The authorities have not been able to identify the shooter or clarify what charges they face. The robotic dog was shifted to Boston Dynamics to remove the bullets.&nbsp;

The robotic dog will be kept by the company and&nbsp;a new unit will be sent to the state police.

(With inputs from agencies)

The state police in Massachusetts were full of gratitude for a robotic dog which saved their lives and averted a tragedy, which involved a person who had barricaded himself in a home and was firing at them.

The state police in Massachusetts were full of gratitude for a robotic dog which saved their lives and averted a tragedy, which involved a person who had barricaded himself in a home and was firing at them. The robotic dog, which was named Roscoe, was working with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad. On March 6, it was deployed in a Barnstable house after the man started firing upon the police officials. Two robots, which are generally used for bomb disposal, were sent by the police into the house to find the suspect. The robotic dog was also sent inside with them. Also Read: US: Surgical robot kills cancer patient after burning hole in internal organs, husband seeks justice The robotic dog, which is remotely controlled by the state troopers, first checked out the two main floors before they found a person in the basement. The suspect, who was carrying a rifle, twice knocked over the robotic dog and then shot it three times. After the attack, the robotic dog's communication was disabled. Then, the person shot one of the other robots after which the police deployed tear gas and arrested the person. State police to get new unit of robot dog “The incident provided a stark example of the benefits of mobile platforms capable of opening doors and ascending stairs in tactical missions involving armed suspects,” said state police, in a statement. “In addition to providing critically important room clearance and situational awareness capabilities, the insertion of Roscoe into the suspect residence prevented the need, at that stage of response, from inserting human operators, and may have prevented a police officer from being involved in an exchange of gunfire," it added. The company Boston Dynamics, which made the robotic dog called as a SPOT robot, in a statement said that it was the first time somebody had shot one of them. Watch: China: Robot dogs can outperform skilled shooters “We are relieved that the only casualty that day was our robot,” said the company. “It’s a great example of how mobile robots like Spot can be used to save lives," it added. The authorities have not been able to identify the shooter or clarify what charges they face. The robotic dog was shifted to Boston Dynamics to remove the bullets. The robotic dog will be kept by the company and a new unit will be sent to the state police. (With inputs from agencies)

Robotic police dog takes multiple bullets, shields police officials and averts bloodshed

China has unveiled a new electromagnetic gun, aimed at controlling riots, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing a programme aired on the state broadcaster CCTV on March 28.&nbsp;

The reports mentioned that the gun fires coin-shaped bullets and could minimise the risk of causing fatal injuries. The speed and force of the bullets can be controlled and it can allow the authorities to disperse crowds. Authorities will be able to suppress riots without causing serious harm to civilians.

The product shown in a military technology programme was described as "non-lethal". However, it could reportedly penetrate wood and shatter glass bottles.&nbsp;

The China-based Global Times reported that the electromagnetic gun was comparatively superior to traditional firearms when it went through a firing test. It has low noise, little muzzle flash and low recoil.&nbsp;

The gun is known as the CS/LW21 and it is a handheld electromagnetic launcher. As mentioned by the news outlet, experts believe that technology marks a development trend for future weapons.&nbsp;

The gun was jointly developed by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited and other technology teams.

As quoted by SCMP, the gun's designer, Lei Fengqiao, told CCTV: "The gun is designed like coil guns, which use electric power to accelerate the projectile. When the nine-level coil is electrified, corresponding magnetic fields are formed, which allow the bullet to be sucked out by a relay race method."&nbsp;

"It is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery that can continuously fire hundreds of rounds when fully charged. The charging time is also very short, with little influence from temperature," Lei added.&nbsp; 
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China has unveiled a new electromagnetic gun, aimed at controlling riots, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing a programme aired on the state broadcaster CCTV on March 28.

China has unveiled a new electromagnetic gun, aimed at controlling riots, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing a programme aired on the state broadcaster CCTV on March 28. The reports mentioned that the gun fires coin-shaped bullets and could minimise the risk of causing fatal injuries. The speed and force of the bullets can be controlled and it can allow the authorities to disperse crowds. Authorities will be able to suppress riots without causing serious harm to civilians. The product shown in a military technology programme was described as "non-lethal". However, it could reportedly penetrate wood and shatter glass bottles. The China-based Global Times reported that the electromagnetic gun was comparatively superior to traditional firearms when it went through a firing test. It has low noise, little muzzle flash and low recoil. The gun is known as the CS/LW21 and it is a handheld electromagnetic launcher. As mentioned by the news outlet, experts believe that technology marks a development trend for future weapons. The gun was jointly developed by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited and other technology teams. As quoted by SCMP, the gun's designer, Lei Fengqiao, told CCTV: "The gun is designed like coil guns, which use electric power to accelerate the projectile. When the nine-level coil is electrified, corresponding magnetic fields are formed, which allow the bullet to be sucked out by a relay race method." "It is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery that can continuously fire hundreds of rounds when fully charged. The charging time is also very short, with little influence from temperature," Lei added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China unveils electromagnetic gun that fires coin-shaped bullets, to be used for riot control: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia.

The city has a population of more than 200,000 people. According to the report, Kim Jong Un asked the officials to carry out searches for the lost bullets throughout the city after the ammunition went missing when the military was withdrawn.

The report quoted a source who lives in Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, as stating, "The city… will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paranoid-kim-jong-un-orders-increase-in-production-of-weapons-grade-nuclear-materials-576427">Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials</a>

“They withdrew completely between February 25 and March 10, but an extensive investigation is underway because of a loss of bullets during the evacuation process,” the report stated.

“During the withdrawal, when the soldiers realised they had lost the bullets, they tried to find it themselves instead of reporting it,” it further added.

Later, the soldiers informed the authorities that they feel it is not possible to find the bullets on their own due to which Kim Jong Un decided the entire city must be put under lockdown.

WATCH | Gravitas: North Korea invents underwater drone that can cause a 'Nuclear Tsunami'

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“Last week, orders were issued to factories, farms, social groups and neighbourhood watch units in the province to actively cooperate with the ammunition-related investigation,” said the report, adding that the government authorities were "lying to spread fear among residents".

“They tried to put pressure on the residents by bluffing that the withdrawal was a manoeuvre related to the safety of Kim Jong Un from reactionary forces,” the report stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia. The city has a population of more than 200,000 people. According to the report, Kim Jong Un asked the officials to carry out searches for the lost bullets throughout the city after the ammunition went missing when the military was withdrawn. The report quoted a source who lives in Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, as stating, "The city… will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found." ALSO READ | Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials “They withdrew completely between February 25 and March 10, but an extensive investigation is underway because of a loss of bullets during the evacuation process,” the report stated. “During the withdrawal, when the soldiers realised they had lost the bullets, they tried to find it themselves instead of reporting it,” it further added. Later, the soldiers informed the authorities that they feel it is not possible to find the bullets on their own due to which Kim Jong Un decided the entire city must be put under lockdown. WATCH | Gravitas: North Korea invents underwater drone that can cause a 'Nuclear Tsunami' “Last week, orders were issued to factories, farms, social groups and neighbourhood watch units in the province to actively cooperate with the ammunition-related investigation,” said the report, adding that the government authorities were "lying to spread fear among residents". “They tried to put pressure on the residents by bluffing that the withdrawal was a manoeuvre related to the safety of Kim Jong Un from reactionary forces,” the report stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A Kim Jong Un-styled treasure hunt? N Korean city went into lockdown to find 653 lost bullets

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