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 detection. The device combines a standard PIR sensor with radar-based detection, allowing it to identify both movement and presence within a room. Unlike basic motion sensors that only respond to movement, the ZPS-Z1 is intended to maintain a steady state even when the person remains motionless, making it particularly suitable for automatic lighting and smart home scenes.

The ZPS-Z1 uses a dual detection system that combines an infrared sensor with a 24GHz radar. The PIR sensor detects the first movement events, while the radar monitoring maintains presence detection when the person stops moving. This approach aims to reduce common automation problems such as lights turning off when someone is sitting or working at a desk.

According to Zemismart, the sensor covers an area of ​​up to 5m with a detection angle of 110º, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices rather than large open spaces. Sensitivity can be adjusted to all four levels, including allowing certain areas within a 5m range to be ignored. This may be useful for a fan where it sits within the sensor’s range. Users can also configure an absence delay between 0 and 60 seconds, allowing the default to be tuned to be responsive or stable depending on the setting.

In addition to presence detection, the ZPS-Z1 features a built-in light sensor. This allows automation to take into account light levels around the scene, allowing for situations like turning on the light only when the room is full and below a certain light threshold. The Tuya platform also supports a 24-hour light curve based on the collected light data.

The sensor is battery powered using a single CR2450 coin cell, which is intended to provide low power operation without requiring endless cables. Installation is designed to be tool-free. The ZPS-Z1 is mounted on a magnetic base with adhesive backing and supports 360º horizontal and 180º vertical adjustments, allowing the detection area to be adjusted after installation instead of repositioning the entire unit.

The ZPS-Z1 connects via Zigbee and requires a Zemismart Zigbee hub to operate. This will include their new Matter-enabled bridges, one that acts as a Matter Bridge, and the other as 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 the gateway, where it is displayed on Apple Home via HomeKit or Matter, depending on which option your hub supports.

The ZPS-Z1 follows the growing trend towards hybrid motion and presence, with options from Aqara, Switchbot, and Meross for example, where radar complements PIR detection to improve automatic reliability. While specifications such as detection range remain standard for battery sensors, the inclusion of an adjustable delay time and ambient light monitoring increases the flexibility of smart lighting applications.

The ZPS-Z1 is available now for $21.99 (or the equivalent in your local currency) plus shipping from the Zemismart online store.