ESPHome mmWave and PIR Human Presence Sensor
Improve occupancy detection with a combination of PIR motion sensing and 24GHz millimeter-wave radar.
The PIR sensor provides fast detection of body movement, while the 24GHz radar can detect small movements and continued human presence. By combining information from both sensors, the device can provide more reliable occupancy detection and help reduce false triggers compared with a single-sensor solution.
The built-in BH1750 ambient light sensor also provides real-time illuminance data for intelligent lighting automation.
Key Features
PIR motion detection
24GHz millimeter-wave presence detection
PIR and radar dual-sensor confirmation
Detects movement and continued human presence
Helps reduce false occupancy detection
Built-in BH1750 ambient light sensor
Real-time illuminance measurement in lux
Default Bluetooth Proxy support
Direct Home Assistant integration
Built-in CH340C USB-to-serial chip
PIR Motion Sensor
The PIR sensor detects changes in infrared energy caused by a moving person.
It provides fast motion response and is suitable for:
Detecting someone entering a room
Triggering lights quickly
Detecting larger body movements
Starting occupancy automation
PIR sensors normally require a clear line of sight and may not reliably detect a person who remains still.
24GHz mmWave Radar
The 24GHz radar detects movement using reflected radio signals.
It can detect:
Normal body movement
Small movements
Continued room occupancy
A person sitting or working at a desk
Presence that may no longer trigger a PIR sensor
Radar detection does not depend on visible light, so it can operate in both bright and dark environments.
Dual-Technology Confirmation
ESPHome can combine PIR and radar information to create more dependable occupancy logic.
For example:
PIR can provide a fast initial motion trigger
Radar can confirm that someone is still present
Combined conditions can help reject isolated sensor events
Configurable delays can prevent lights from switching off too quickly
Separate PIR, radar and combined occupancy entities can be exposed to Home Assistant
The exact detection logic can be customized through ESPHome YAML configuration.
BH1750 Ambient Light Sensor
The built-in BH1750 measures ambient light and reports the result in lux.
Illuminance data can be used to:
Turn on lights only when the room is dark
Adjust lighting according to natural daylight
Prevent unnecessary daytime lighting
Create different day and night automation rules
Record room brightness in Home Assistant
Combining occupancy and illuminance in one device makes lighting automation more efficient and convenient.
Home Assistant Integration
The sensor connects directly to Home Assistant through the ESPHome Native API.
Default Bluetooth Proxy
The default firmware supports ESPHome Bluetooth Proxy.
The ESP32-C3 can forward nearby Bluetooth Low Energy device data to Home Assistant through the Wi-Fi network, helping extend Bluetooth coverage around your home.
Bluetooth Proxy may be used with supported devices such as:
Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensors
Door and window sensors
Plant sensors
BLE buttons
Other Home Assistant-compatible Bluetooth Low Energy devices
Bluetooth range and supported functions depend on the surrounding environment, device placement and Home Assistant configuration.
Direct USB Firmware Flashing
The built-in CH340C USB-to-serial converter allows compatible firmware to be flashed directly through the USB connection.
A separate USB-to-serial adapter is not required.
After the device is connected to Wi-Fi, future ESPHome updates can normally be installed wirelessly through OTA.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Controller | ESP32-C3(4MB Flash) |
| Presence Sensors | PIR and 24GHz mmWave radar |
| Detection Method | Configurable PIR and radar dual-sensor logic |
| Light Measurement | Digital illuminance output in lux |
| Bluetooth Proxy | Enabled in the default firmware |
Installation Recommendations
Install the sensor where it has a clear view of the target area.
Avoid pointing the PIR sensor directly toward heaters, air conditioners, windows or strong heat sources.
Keep moving curtains, fans and vibrating objects outside the main radar detection area where possible.
Avoid installing the device behind metal objects.
Do not place it directly beside a Wi-Fi router or other strong radio-frequency source.
Adjust ESPHome delays and detection logic according to the room and intended use.
Important Information
This product supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only.
Millimeter-wave radar may detect motion through some thin non-metallic materials.
Moving fans, curtains, pets, vibration or activity in adjacent areas may affect radar detection.
Dual-sensor logic can help reduce false triggers but cannot eliminate them in every environment.
Static-presence performance depends on distance, body position, radar configuration and installation conditions.
BH1750 readings may be affected if the light-sensing opening is covered or positioned in direct glare.
Package Contents
1 × Human Presence Sensor
Includes a power adapter, USB data cable, and other accessories.
Youtube Reviews:
- Athom Presence Sensor - mmWave + PIR in Home Assistant (IoBroker) in Sekunden eingebunden in ESPHome ( German)
- Comparison video between Screek 2A and Athom mm Wave Sensors
- ESPHome Athom mm Wave Human Presence Sensor is great
- Athom PS01 mmWave / PIR Presence Sensor - Setup, Configuration, Trouble Shooting, Review
Athom Human Presence Sensor for ESPHome and Home Assistant (Russian)
