In the realm of smart homes, detecting motion and presence is crucial for seamless automation. However, conventional methods like PIR sensors have limitations. In this article, we explore a unique approach to presence detection using a car seat sensor, demonstrating how to enhance your smart home without relying on complex AI algorithms.
Why Car Seat Sensors?
Motion sensors are common in smart homes, but they lack the ability to differentiate between motion and actual presence. By integrating car seat sensors, which detect when someone is sitting in a specific location, we can refine our automation and make it more contextually aware.
Setup Overview:
For this project, we’ll use car seat sensors connected to an ESP32 microcontroller. The sensors are positioned strategically on the sofa to detect occupancy. Each sensor closes a circuit when someone sits on it and opens it when vacant. The wiring from these sensors is connected to the ESP32, which processes the data and communicates with our smart home system.
Car Seat Sensor in Action:
Upon sitting, the sensors detect the change in pressure, activating the circuit. You can put debounce logic in ESPHome to ensure accurate readings and prevent false triggers. An automation is set up to notify users if they’ve been seated for too long, promoting healthier habits.
Customization and Uses:
Beyond mere presence detection, this setup offers numerous customization options. For instance, you can tailor automations based on which seat in the room is occupied. Additionally, creative applications include using the sensor to monitor pet behavior or even integrating it with other household items like beds or doormats.
Two Approaches:
The setup described involves using ESP32 or ESP8266 devices with ESPHome, providing flexibility and control over multiple sensors. Alternatively, battery-powered Zigbee devices like water leak sensors offer a simpler setup but may require more devices for comprehensive coverage.
Wiring and Configuration:
Wiring the car seat sensors to the ESP device involves connecting one wire to the 3.3V pin and the other to a GPIO pin with a pull-down resistor to ensure accurate readings. The ESPHome configuration file is then modified to read the state of GPIO pins, creating binary sensors in Home Assistant for easy integration into automations.
ESPHome YAML: https://gist.github.com/letsautomatenet/21d47ec560214b210a6eee8d9d1ceaab
Expanding Possibilities:
The versatility of car seat sensors extends beyond traditional use cases. Whether placed under doormats, beds, or other furniture, they offer a non-intrusive way to monitor occupancy and enhance automation.
Conclusion:
By thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional sensor options like car seat sensors, you can elevate the intelligence of your smart home. Whether you’re monitoring seating arrangements, pet behavior, or visitor arrivals, the possibilities are endless. Embrace creativity and innovation to unlock the full potential of your smart home. Head over to the YouTube video and let us know in the comments how you plan to implement car seat sensors in your home automation setup. Don’t forget to subscribe for more DIY smart home projects and tips. Until next time, happy automating!