by Mat Dirjish
Sensor developer Shelly’s Presence Gen4 is a camera-free sensor that uses mmWave radar and customizable detection zones to support room-based smart home automation. Providing occupancy detection and automation capabilities, the sensor detects people moving about and those who are sitting still. This allows automation systems to respond to occupancy rather than relying solely on motion detection.
Prescence Gen4 can support automations for lighting, motorized shades, climate control, and entertainment systems. It supports up to 10 customizable detection zones, allowing users to trigger actions based on where someone is located in a room. The sensor also provides a real-time occupancy map without capturing images, offering an alternative to camera-based presence monitoring.
Other features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 LE, Zigbee 3.0, and Matter over Wi-Fi compatibility and adjustable detection settings to fine-tune sensitivity and filter out low-level movement from pets and other objects. An integral ambient light sensor reports dark, twilight, and bright conditions for lighting-related automations.
Using USB-C for power, Presence Gen4 can sit on a shelf or tabletop or mount on a wall. Price is $84.99 in the US. For greater gleanings, peruse the Prescence Gen4 overview.
