Before SwitchBot entered the robot vacuum market, the smart home devices manufacturer was into simple, affordable retrofit solutions that made traditional appliances smart without requiring complex installations or replacing existing devices. After spending a decade now toiling with the vacuums, it seems the company is circling back to its basics with the launch of a new affordable Presence Sensor.
The battery-powered Presence Sensor is designed to offer far more accurate room monitoring than traditional motion sensors. Equipped with a 60Hz mmWave radar, a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, and an integrated light sensor, the device aims to improve lighting automation, reduce false triggers, and boost energy efficiency in everyday home use.
According to the company’s press release, the Presence Sensor utilizes a combination of PIR for fast initial motion detection and mmWave for micro-motion tracking, allowing it to pick up subtle movements such as breathing or small posture shifts. This ensures the system can maintain occupancy status even when a person is sitting still, something that standard PIR sensors often struggle with.
SwitchBot also includes a built-in light sensor to help the device make better automation decisions, keeping lights and connected appliances on only when they’re truly needed. It’s worth noting that SwitchBot has incorporated its sensors with additional anti-interference technology, including AI environmental learning, which helps the device ignore movement from fans, air conditioners, and other background sources. Users with pets can reduce false triggers by adjusting the magnetic base angle.
The device is powered by two AAA batteries providing up to two years of runtime, thanks to its low-power mmWave radar. During installation, the device can be mounted using its magnetic base or adhesive. Unlike traditional sensors, the SwitchBot Presence Sensor is also suitable for use in the bathroom. “The device features an IPX5 rating, making it suitable for bathrooms and humid spaces,” company officials tell me. From a coverage standpoint, the SwitchBot Presence Sensor can detect movement up to eight meters away, with a 120-degree field of view.
Also Read: Interview with SwitchBot Co-Founder, Richard Mou
The Presence Sensor integrates with Matter, Home Assistant, and major voice assistant ecosystems. “It supports both cloud-based and local automations, allowing lights and appliances to respond instantly even when the Internet is down,” the company claims. The SwitchBot Presence Sensor is available through the official SwitchBot website and Amazon. It is priced at $30, making it a direct rival to the Aqara Presence Sensor, which is currently priced at $50 on Amazon.
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