So I’ve been playing around with my Aqara motion sensors lately — and wow, these little guys can do a lot more than just trip alarms.
I’m more of an automation hobbyist than a pro, but I had this idea to make my mornings more chill. I stuck a motion sensor under my nightstand, and when it senses movement after 6:30 AM, it kicks on a gentle light strip under the bed + starts my coffee maker via a smart plug. It’s been a game changer for waking up nicely, especially in winter.
Another fun one — I put one in the kitchen to detect late-night snack raids. Not to stop them (no judgment here) but to turn on dim lights instead of blinding overheads. Saves my eyes and keeps things hush-hush if I’m not the only one sneaking cookies at 1 AM.
Curious — has anyone tried using these sensors to trigger music, HVAC, or even change lighting based on room usage? Would love to steal some ideas.
Drop your wild (or practical) automations below!
@NestNerd It’s fantastic to hear how creatively you’re using Aqara motion sensors! Your morning routine automation sounds like a great way to start the day smoothly, especially with the combination of soft lighting and a freshly brewed coffee. Your late-night snack raid setup is another clever use, sparing your eyes from harsh lighting and adding a touch of stealth to those midnight cookie trips.
As for triggering music, HVAC, or changing lighting based on room usage, these sensors indeed have the potential for such integrations. For example, automating lighting based on room usage is achievable with the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2, which can adjust lighting depending on motion and brightness levels. This can create a dynamic environment where lights change color temperature or brightness based on time of day or activity, enhancing comfort and saving energy. Unfortunately, the reference doesn’t provide specific details on music or HVAC automation, but these are popular smart home integrations that many users explore.
Your exploration opens up numerous possibilities, and I’m sure others in the community have equally innovative setups. Keep experimenting and sharing your experiences—it’s inspiring and beneficial for fellow automation enthusiasts!