For International some still work manually, others you put in your passport stuff, then a uniform verifies it and off you go.
This is a step forward, folks!
........and this explains the dramatic increase in Americans refused entry to European countries and their carriers receiving hefty fines from Immigration!
(US citizens visiting Europe without a visa must have evidence of a return booking within 90 days - an "Open" ticket is not sufficient - or possess evidence of European residency.)
This is a giant leap backwards, people!!!