Shelly Motion WiFi Sensor Targeted for Smart Home Market
Allterco Robotics says its new IoT motion sensor, the Shelly Motion, is optimized with Silicon Labs WiFi technology and long battery life.
The Shelly Motion has a 6500 mAh rechargeable battery to operate and remain connected to a home Wi-Fi network for more than one year on a single charge. (Allterco Robotics)
LAS VEGAS — The motion sensor is finally moving into the 21 Century. Decades ago, it was a major leap when PIRs moved from hardwired to wireless battery-powered devices. Now, Bulgaria-based Allterco Robotics is helping to make the next major leap in motion sensor technology with its $39 WiFi-based Shelly Motion, a next-generation motion sensor with long battery life that is using Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) WiFi solution.
The Silicon Labs’ wireless technology enables Shelly Motion to be an ultra-low-power sensor, making it energy efficient. And because it can connect directly to a WiFi router without the need for a hub, it is easy to install. The sensor also offers full compatibility with Alexa, Home Assistant and SmartThings. It also has an open API allowing it to be controlled by third-party home automation platforms.
“Our first WiFi motion sensor combines the powerful, yet easy to use features customers have come to expect from Shelly products combined with the cutting edge IoT technology from Silicon Labs, says Dimitar Dimitrov, CEO of Allterco Robotics, which opened a U.S. office in Las Vegas in 2020. “We are committed to working with the best in the industry to deliver accessible, proven smart home products and look forward to announcing more innovations with Silicon Labs in the months to come.”
Shelly Motion features a 6500mAh rechargeable battery that can operate and remain connected to a home WiFi network for more than one year on a single charge. The sensor remains connected to the WiFi network 24/7, delivering real-time response (less than 200ms on average) and instant detection of even the slightest movement, according to the company. This combination of features enables Shelly Motion to trigger immediate smart home actions by another device, such as turning on the lights when a person enters a room.
Shelly Motion Installation, Design
The sensor itself is sleek looking compared to standard bulky wireless PIRs that have been the staple of the security industry for years. The Shelly Motion unit is white so it blends in unobtrusively; it is oval in shape with rounded edges and a circular lens. It’s optimal detection range is up to 25 feet away; the ideal mounting height is between 7 feet and 8 feet off the floor.
The router has two modes: Access Point mode and Client Mode. To operate in Client Mode, it needs to be located within range of the sensor for WiFi connectivity. After the initial charging of the battery, the mounting bracket is simply installed with a single screw. The sensor connects to the bracket via a simple gimbal dowel, thus allowing the sensor to pivot into the proper position.
Like any motion sensor, it is advisable to not mount Shelly Motion in direct sunlight. When it is successfully connected to the WiFi network, the lens glows blue. Using the dedicated Shelly app, a homeowner can also control the device remotely from their smartphone.
“Shelly Motion integrates locally with Home Assistant without requiring a hub or any other hardware. The sensor’s permanent connection reduces system latency and thereby enhances consumer experience in the smart home,” says Paulus Schoutsen, founder, Home Assistant. “With Shelly Motion you’re going to have an easy to install and configure motion sensor with a battery that will last.”
Shelly Motion Key Features
In addition to the long battery life, key features of Shelly Motion include:
- Real-Time Response: With quick motion detection capability, in less than 200ms – or as fast as the blink of an eye – the sensor can trigger action to any connected device, such as turning on the air-conditioner or opening room window shutters.
- Sensitivity: The unique 256 levels of sensitivity will allow you to adjust extremely precisely the distance and the movement to which the sensor reacts.
- Tamper Detection: With 128 levels of vibration sensitivity, Shelly Motion will immediately inform homeowners if someone touches the device or tries to dislocate or move it from its initial position.
- No Hub Required: Shelly Motion can be controlled directly without using a hub and is compatible with any standard WiFi router.
- Customized Schedule: Homeowners can customize sensors’ actions, like controlling other devices, based on days, hour, light intensity, sunset and sunrise or any defined personal preferences.
“The new Shelly Motion WiFi sensor meets the increasing need for low maintenance, long battery life operation from IoT products,” says Jake Alamat, vice president and general manager of IoT home and consumer products at Silicon Labs. “Silicon Labs’ market leading ultra-low power WiFi IoT solutions play a key role in delivering superior performance and ease of use, simplifying the smart home experience.”
This article first appeared on SSI sister site CEPro.com.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Jason Knott
Jason Knott is Chief Content Officer for Emerald Expositions Connected Brands. Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990, serving as editor and publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He joined CE Pro in 2000 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of that brand. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He has been a member of the CEDIA Business Working Group since 2010. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California. Have a suggestion or a topic you want to read more about? Email Jason at [email protected]
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
