Shelly launches mmWave radar presence sensor for multi-person detection without cameras
The Presence Gen4 sensor uses radar technology to detect up to 10 people across spaces up to 650 square feet and trigger smart home automations.
What happened
Shelly announced the Presence Gen4, a $84.99 sensor using millimeter-wave radar to detect presence, motion, and activities of people and pets without recording video. The device features a 140-degree horizontal field-of-view, mounts via built-in stand or wall installation, and requires USB-C power. It integrates with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter. Users can set up to 10 customizable detection zones to trigger automations like lighting or climate control based on occupancy, and adjust sensitivity to ignore low-ground objects like robovacs or include pets.
Context
The sensor addresses a smart home automation gap: tracking multiple occupants and their locations within a space to enable granular control of connected devices, without the privacy concerns associated with camera-based systems. Its radar-based approach allows detection across larger areas than typical motion sensors while supporting independent zone configurations, enabling use cases like activating lighting only when someone sits at a desk or activating entertainment systems when occupants enter specific rooms. The device's compatibility across major smart home ecosystems positions it as a cross-platform solution in an increasingly fragmented automation market.