The recently launched professional edition of the Philips Hue smart hub includes an impressive capability: transforming Hue bulbs into motion sensors. However, following hands-on evaluation of the Bridge Pro in the previous month, the system's motion detection lacks an essential element.
In particular, the innovative MotionAware technology from Hue excels at identifying physical movement but fails to register when a space is merely occupied by an individual without motion.
Philips Hue's co-founder and chief technology officer, George Yanni, has recognized that incorporating both motion and presence detection would represent the subsequent advancement for the platform, though the precise timing for this upgrade remains uncertain.
During a recent discussion on the HomeKit Insider podcast, as reported by HueBlog.com, Yanni explained, 'In principle, we can detect more advanced phenomena beyond mere motion.' He added, 'Presence detection would follow, and potentially, we could develop capabilities for even further detections down the line.'
Yanni expressed caution, emphasizing that Philips Hue would not introduce presence detection 'unless we confirm its dependability,' and highlighted their commitment to surpassing a stringent standard for user experience quality.
Currently, the MotionAware setup relies on at least three Hue bulbs within a designated area to identify motion through interruptions in the Zigbee wireless signals linking the lights to the hub and among themselves.
Such disturbances in the Zigbee network within a specified zone alert the system to movement, which can activate responses like initiating a pre-set lighting configuration. On the other hand, after a predefined duration without detected motion, it may execute actions such as extinguishing the room's illumination.
Although effective for motion, MotionAware struggles with occupancy detection—recognizing a person's stationary presence in the zone. In one test scenario, it illuminated the kitchen upon entry but later deactivated the lights mid-meal while the user remained seated, creating an suboptimal user interaction.
For applications like security cameras or doorbells, presence detection holds less relevance, as the focus is on identifying prowlers in the yard or delivery personnel. Yet, for lighting control, occupancy awareness is crucial to prevent interruptions during activities such as dining.
Many conventional motion sensors share this limitation, which is why specialized presence sensors exist, employing diverse techniques including passive infrared, ultrasonic, visual imaging via RGB cameras, and even carbon dioxide monitoring to ascertain room occupancy regardless of activity.
Insights from Yanni's podcast appearance suggest that integrating presence detection into MotionAware is feasible and could offer significant advantages for Hue.
With Hue lights installed throughout homes, Yanni noted on the HomeKit Insider show, 'We represent the ideal means to implement presence detection at the room level across a residence.'
He elaborated, 'No alternative product type achieves this seamlessly; typically, additional standalone sensors are required.' Yanni concluded, 'This positions us uniquely to integrate technologies like MotionAware into the core sensing infrastructure of modern households.'
This report forms part of TechHive's comprehensive analysis of top smart lighting solutions.