Shelly Presence Gen4 Sensor Launches in North America
The device uses radar for privacy-focused occupancy detection in smart homes, now available for $84.99.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Shelly launched the Presence Gen4 radar sensor in North America in October 2026. The device provides occupancy detection using millimeter-wave technology without the privacy concerns associated with camera-based monitoring.
Why it matters
The sensor offers an alternative to vision-based presence systems, providing automated room management while maintaining data privacy. By relying on radar rather than optical imaging, it avoids the persistent privacy trade-offs inherent in camera-based smart home monitoring.
The device features 10 customizable detection zones to isolate movement, retailing for $84.99. It includes an ambient light sensor alongside connectivity support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 LE, Zigbee 3.0, and Matter over Wi-Fi.
The players
Shelly
An automation hardware manufacturer specializing in relays, sensors, and smart controllers that prioritize local network control.
The details
The Presence Gen4 uses millimeter-wave radar—a technology that emits short-range radio waves to detect tiny changes in reflected signals caused by human presence. This allows the system to distinguish between a person and non-human movement, such as pets or robot vacuums, through user-configured sensitivity settings. The unit functions entirely through local control, meaning occupancy data does not require cloud connectivity to trigger home automation routines.
Timeline
• October 2026: Shelly launched the Presence Gen4 radar sensor in North America.
The Tech Race
The sensor represents a shift away from optical sensor reliance in the smart home ecosystem to mitigate privacy concerns. This launch follows the industry trend of migrating occupancy detection from camera-based platforms to localized, radar-driven hardware.
The device is currently available in the United States for $84.99 and is designed for users seeking to automate lighting or climate systems based on occupancy. It integrates with existing Matter-compatible smart home ecosystems via a USB-C power connection.
The takeaway
Shelly provides a privacy-conscious alternative for room-level occupancy monitoring that avoids the need for camera arrays. Watch for future firmware updates regarding the sensor’s sensitivity thresholds and third-party integration compatibility within the Matter standard.
Further reading
For broader trends in home automation hardware, see the latest developments in Consumer Electronics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TWICE.
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Do you trust radar-based sensors more than camera-based systems for home occupancy tracking?
