Smart Human Presence Sensor - 5.8Ghz

A smart human presence sensor is a device that uses 5.8GHz mm Wave radar to detect whether a person is in a room. Even if they are not moving. Unlike basic motion sensors. It can detect subtle movements such as breathing and heartbeat. It is ideal for automations that require a person to be present and still. These sensors often also include a built-in light sensor to further enhance automation by ensuring that the light only turns on when it is dark and someone is present.

Key Features

  • Smart Home Integration: Many models connect to a smart home hub using protocols such as Zigbee or Wi-Fi. This allows for integration with platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.

  • Custom Automations: You can set up custom “smart scenes” or automations. Such as keeping the lights on while you are in the room or turning off appliances when the room is empty.

  • Local control: Some systems offer local processing, so automation will continue to work even if the internet connection is lost.

  • Flexible installation: They can often be mounted on a wall or ceiling and powered via USB or a direct electrical connection.

  • Adjustable settings: Many sensors allow you to adjust the sensitivity level and detection range for different rooms and scenarios.

 Technical Specifications

Technology mm Wave radar (continuous wave)
Frequency 5.8 GHz
Detection Range 0.00 – 9.5 m
Detection Angle 120° (horizontal & vertical)
Sensitivity Levels 1–9 adjustable
Delay Time 0–1500 seconds configurable
Detection Latency 0–10 seconds
Power Supply AC (ceiling mount installation)
Connectivity Wi-Fi (Tuya Smart / Smart Life App)
Compatibility Google Home, Amazon Alexa

How to It Work

A smart human presence sensor using 5.8 GHz technology works on the principle of microwave radar that can detect subtle movements, including breathing and heartbeat, allowing it to determine whether a person is present in a room even if they are stationary.

Working Process

The sensor actively uses millimeter-wave (mm-wave) radar technology to detect presence, distinguishing it from traditional passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors that only detect large movements and changes in heat signatures.

Signal Transmission: The sensor unit actively transmits continuous, low-power electromagnetic radio waves at a frequency of 5.8 GHz into its environment.

Signal Reflection: These radio waves travel through the air and bounce off objects in the detection area. The signals can often penetrate lightweight materials such as curtains or thin interior walls, offering flexible placement options.

Echo Analysis (Doppler Effect): The sensor’s receiver analyzes the reflected waves, specifically looking for changes in frequency caused by movement (called the Doppler Effect).

Micromotion Detection: Unlike PIR sensors, 5.8 GHz radar is highly sensitive and can detect even micromotions, such as subtle chest movements associated with human breathing or a person typing at a desk.

Presence Verification: An internal microcontroller processes this data. If micromotion with a human is detected, the sensor registers the room as “occupied” or “present”.

Smart Integration: The sensor is connected to a smart home network (typically via Wi-Fi or a ZigBee hub).

Automation and Control: The sensor sends its status ("Present" or "Away") to a central smart home hub or cloud platform (such as Tuya Smart, Smart Life, or Alexa).

This state triggers pre-configured automations, such as turning on lights when presence is detected in low ambient light conditions (using the built-in light sensor), adjusting HVAC settings, or locking doors.

When all motion and micro-motions have stopped for a set period of time, the sensor updates its status to "Away", such as turning off lights or adjusting the thermostat to energy-saving mode.