Aqara Sensor Detects You Even When Still

The Aqara FP400, a new $80 smart home sensor, utilizes mmWave technology to provide highly accurate presence detection by sensing subtle breathing patterns. Unlike simpler motion sensors, it can identify occupants even when they are completely still, ensuring lights and other devices remain active when needed.

This puck-shaped device, powered by USB-C, attaches to a mounting base and supports both Thread and Zigbee protocols, allowing for offline daily use after initial setup. The FP400 can track up to 10 people simultaneously and offers advanced automation capabilities through customizable detection zones.

While setup is straightforward via the Aqara app, users may need to adjust sensitivity settings, especially in households with pets or robot vacuums, by enabling 'AI Enhanced Person Detection.' However, a planned posture detection feature has been moved to a professional version, the FP400 Pro.

Despite the absence of posture sensing, the FP400 is lauded as one of the best mmWave sensors available, offering superior accuracy and the unique ability to create distinct detection zones. These zones appear as virtual sensors in third-party platforms like Apple Home, enabling highly specific automations such as adjusting a window air conditioner based on presence on a particular couch.