SwitchBot Launches its Own PIR/mmWave Motion Sensor
Hot on the heel’s of the recent release of Aqara’s new FP300 Presence MultiSensor (video HERE), SwitchBot has launched its own battery-powered Presence Sensor, which uses a 60Hz mmWave radar, a Passive Infrared sensor, and a light sensor. Simply called the SwitchBot Presence Sensor, there’s no temperature and humidity sensors unlike the FP300, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Like all mmWave Sensors, SwitchBot’s offering is designed to address the limitations of traditional motion sensors, offering more consistent room detection, smarter lighting control, and improved energy use in daily situations.
The sensor combines a 60Hz mmWave radar, a PIR sensor, and a light sensor to provide steady, accurate monitoring. The PIR sensor handles quick detection when someone enters a room, while the mmWave radar identifies very small movements such as breathing or slight posture changes. This allows the sensor to maintain occupancy status even if a person remains still, something PIR-only sensors often struggle with. The built-in light sensor measures the brightness of the room, helping the device support context-aware automation so that lights and appliances remain active only when the room is genuinely occupied. The sensor also includes anti-interference measures, such as AI-based environmental learning that can recognise the patterns of fans or air conditioners to reduce false triggers. A pet-avoidance option is supported by adjusting the angle of the rotatable magnetic base.
The ultra-low-power mmWave radar allows the sensor to run for up to two years using two AAA batteries. The magnetic base, which can also be attached with adhesive, makes placement simple on walls, desks, or metal surfaces without any wiring. The device is rated IPX5, so it is suitable for bathrooms and other damp areas. It offers movement detection up to 8 metres and static presence detection up to 5 metres within a 120º field.
The downside for some is that the sensor uses Bluetooth, connecting to one of the company’s SwitchBot Matter-enabled hubs, so although it is Matter compatible, it is so only through one of their hubs. It also supports Home Assistant, allowing presence and light-level data to be used across multiple platforms. Due to Matter support, it offers local automation, so it can trigger lights or appliances even without an Internet connection.
The SwitchBot Presence Sensor is available from;
