Aqara Introduces a New Presence Sensor Compatible with HomeKit

Aqara unveiled a new Presence Sensor today that is intended to maintain the functionality of smart home appliances, such as lights, when an individual enters the space. Although the Presence Sensor FP1E is Zigbee-enabled, it may be connected via an Aqara Matter bridge to HomeKit and other smart home platforms.

With the use of millimetre wave technology, the Presence Sensor FP1E can quickly identify human motions, which can be used to start HomeKit automations. You need a HomeKit-compatible sensor, for example, if you want the laundry room light to turn on when you enter.

Unlike a motion detection sensor, a presence sensor maintains automation by continuing to detect the presence of an object in the room. A regular motion sensor might activate the lights, but it will activate a timer and not detect an ongoing human presence. The FP1E can detect when someone leaves a room to start an automation that turns off the lights or another household appliance. It can also detect when someone is in the room even if they are sitting or lying still.

According to Aqara, the new Presence Sensor can monitor a space up to 538 square feet in size if it is positioned on the ceiling and can detect presence up to 20 feet away. The sensor can detect movement from both people and inanimate items, such as drapes that could move in response to the air conditioner.

Zone-based automation triggers and multi-person detection are features of Aqara's previous Presence Sensor, FP2, which is joined by the FP1E Presence Sensor. At $50, the FP1E Presence Sensor is more reasonably priced and is available for purchase on Amazon as of right now.