The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor has officially been released. Many smart home enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the product’s release since its demoing at CES 2023 in January. The product differs from traditional motion sensors that use PIR by using mmWave (millimetre wave) Radar Technology, capable of monitoring rooms up to 40 m² (430 sq ft) which can be divided into up to 30 zones. The sensor can simultaneously detect up to 5 people and its ultra-high precision radar can detect even the slightest movements, like breathing. The sensor exposes readings as “Presence” or “Absence” for your automation configurations. The FP2 specs include 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, IPX5-rated, and USB-C for power. It is available today on Amazon.

Multi-Platform Support

The FP2 is a Wi-Fi device (no zigbee, like most of their products) and is exposed as multiple sensors in Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. It also supports Home Assistant through the Homekit Controller Integration. You will not need an Aqara hub for the sensor to work, but for full functionality you will need to set it up in the Aqara Home App to set up zones and sync it with your platform(s) of choice.

Zone Positioning

By using only one radar sensor, you will be able to monitor a room of up to 40 m² (430 sq ft) and divide them into various zones. Presence at each configured zone can trigger a different automation.

Local Automations

Automations are executed without sending to the cloud, and they will keep working even in case of no internet connection.

Flexible Placement

A recessed USB-C port and magnetic adjustable stand increases the flexibility of placement. Ceiling and vertical attachment are both supported.

Built-in Light Sensor

The FP2 has an extra built-in light sensor, which provides greater flexibility and enjoyment when creating lighting automations.

Fall Detection and Alerts

When mounted on the ceiling, the Fp2 has the capability to detect and alert you when a family member falls down. When fall detection mode is activated, most features of the FP2, including zone positioning and presence detection, become unavailable. The FP2 is not a medical device and can only be used for notification purposes.

Installation

Matter Support? Future Proof?

While the FP2 supports multiple platforms without the need for an Aqara Hub, the device does not ship with Matter support out-of-the-box. Aqara says that they will add support for Matter in a future over-the-air software update. They will also be adding posture detection (standing/sitting/lying down) as well as sleep monitoring and respiratory rate detection.