Zemismart Releases Budget Presence/PIR/Light Sensor Combo, w/ Zigbee
Zemismart has released the ZPS-Z1, a compact Zigbee human presence sensor designed for occupancy detection rather than simple motion triggering. The device combines traditional PIR sensing with radar based detection, allowing it to identify both movement and continued presence within a room. Unlike basic motion sensors that only react to movement, the ZPS-Z1 is intended to maintain an occupied state even when a person remains relatively still, making it more suitable for lighting automation and room based smart home scenes.
The ZPS-Z1 uses a dual detection system combining passive infrared sensing with 24GHz radar. PIR sensing detects initial motion events, while radar monitoring maintains presence detection once a person stops moving. This approach aims to reduce common automation issues such as lights turning off while someone is seated or working at a desk.
According to Zemismart, the sensor covers an area of up to 5m with a 110º detection angle, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices rather than large open spaces. Sensitivity can be adjusted across four levels, which also includes allowing a specific zone within the 5m range to be ignored. This could be useful for a fan where it sits in the middle of the sensor’s range. Users can also configure a no presence delay between 0 and 60 seconds, allowing automations to be tuned for responsiveness or stability depending on placement.
In addition to presence detection, the ZPS-Z1 includes a built in ambient light sensor. This allows automations to consider brightness levels alongside occupancy, enabling scenarios such as activating lighting only when a room is both occupied and below a specified illumination threshold. The Tuya platform also supports a 24 hour brightness curve based on collected light data.
The sensor is battery powered using a single CR2450 coin cell, intended to provide low power operation without requiring permanent wiring. Installation is designed to be tool free. The ZPS-Z1 mounts via a magnetic base with adhesive backing and supports 360º horizontal and 180º vertical adjustment, allowing the detection area to be aimed after installation rather than repositioning the entire unit.
The ZPS-Z1 connects via Zigbee and requires a Zemismart Zigbee hub to function. This would include their newer Matter enabled bridges, with one acting as a Matter Bridge, whilst the other is also a Matter Controller and Thread Border Router, but only for the Tuya ecosystem. The sensor communicates through the Tuya or Smart Life app once paired with a gateway, upon which it’s exposed to Apple Home via HomeKit or via Matter, depending on what option your hub supports.
The ZPS-Z1 follows a growing trend toward hybrid motion and presence sensing, with options from Aqara, Switchbot, and Meross for example, where radar supplements PIR detection to improve automation reliability. While specification figures such as detection range remain typical for battery sensors, the inclusion of adjustable delay timing and ambient light monitoring increases flexibility for smart lighting use cases.
The ZPS-Z1 is available now for US$21.99 (or the equivalent in local your currency) plus shipping from Zemismart’s own online store.
