Aqara has launched a new mmWave-based presence sensor the FP1E. mmWave technology makes the FP1E incredibly sensitive. It can even detect the movement of a person breathing while they sleep. This creates unique opportunities for smart homes automations based on occupancy that is impossible with passive infrared (PIR) technology.
The sensitivity of the FP1E also offers unique opportunities for caregiving solutions for aging in place where one could be used to detect if a senior is ill and unable to get out of bed.
These are just two examples of how the capabilities of the FP1E differentiates itself from other presence sensors on the market.
Other features of the Aqara FP1E presence sensor are:
- The FP1E leverages AI to help eliminate false detections from reflections, electronics, and small pets
- Simple setup using the Aqara app and an Aqara Hub
- Multiple mounting options though the FP1E cannot be battery powered
- Detects people that are both moving and still
- Leverages Zigbee for connectivity with an Aqara Hub which can then act as a bridge to Matter compatible ecosystems like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Homey
I wrote a detailed article on the Aqara FP2 presence sensor that also leverages mmWave radar technology (that article can be found here.) There are some notable differences between the Aqara FP2 and the FP1E:
- The FP1E can detect presence within a room while the FP2 can detect presence in different user defined zones in a room
- The FP1E can detect people moving or still within a room while the FP2 can also perform multi-person detection, fall detection and sleep monitoring
- The FP1E requires an Aqara Hub while the FP2 can be used independently of an Aqara hub
- The FP1E can integrate with other Matter compatible ecosystems using the Aqara hub as a Matter bridge
- The FP1E communicates using Zigbee while the FP2 communicates using WiFi
- The FP1E has a list price of $49.99 while the FP2 has a list price of $85.99
