FREMONT, Calif., May 21, 2026 — THIRDREALITY today announced the Presence Sensor R2, a battery-powered 24 GHz mmWave sensor designed to make reliable presence-based automation easier to deploy throughout the home.
Unlike traditional passive infrared motion sensors that can stop detecting occupants once they remain still, the Presence Sensor R2 is designed to detect subtle human movement during activities such as reading, typing, brushing teeth, or adjusting position on a sofa or bed. Powered by three standard AA batteries, the sensor does not require a nearby outlet or USB power cable, allowing it to be placed where wired presence sensors may be difficult or impractical to install.
Many smart home users experience limitations with motion-based automation. Bathroom lights may turn off while someone is standing still, hallway lighting may respond inconsistently during nighttime movement, and closets, storage rooms, and rental properties may lack convenient power access for advanced sensing devices.
THIRDREALITY developed the Presence Sensor R2 to address these situations by combining flexible placement with continuous presence detection.
“Presence automation should adapt to the home—not force the home to adapt to the sensor,” said Xuezhang Dong, CEO of THIRDREALITY. “With the Presence Sensor R2, users can place a presence sensor where they need it without worrying about wiring, outlets, or complicated installation.”
The sensor uses 24 GHz mmWave radar to detect subtle human presence regardless of lighting conditions. Compared with camera-based solutions, radar sensing also provides a more privacy-conscious option for bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and other personal spaces.
To improve stability in real-world environments, the Presence Sensor R2 includes AI-enhanced environmental learning intended to reduce false triggers caused by airflow, moving curtains, and similar environmental movement. Five sensitivity levels allow users to adapt detection to different rooms and automation preferences.
The Presence Sensor R2 supports Zigbee 3.0 and integrates with compatible platforms including:
- Home Assistant through ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT
- Samsung SmartThings
- Homey
- Hubitat
- Compatible Amazon Echo devices with built-in Zigbee hubs
The sensor can support automations such as:
- Keeping bathroom lights on while the room is occupied
- Turning hallway lights on automatically at night
- Turning lights off only after a room is vacant
- Triggering climate, curtain, or security routines based on occupancy
The Presence Sensor R2 is the third mmWave radar-based sensing product from THIRDREALITY, following the company’s R1 and R3 models. The R2 is designed as a simpler, more flexible option for everyday presence detection.
Availability
The Presence Sensor R2 is priced at $39.99 and is available through Amazon and the THIRDREALITY online store.
About THIRDREALITY
THIRDREALITY is a smart home technology company dedicated to developing reliable, practical, and user-friendly connected devices. Its portfolio includes sensors, switches, plugs, lighting products, controllers, and automation solutions built on Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi.
Media Contact
Tina Zhu
Marketing Manager
Third Reality, Inc.
info@3reality.com