With the EO Smart Space Sensor, STEINEL is expanding its portfolio with a sensor that localizes and anonymously detects people in a room. Thanks to Bluetooth® Mesh and an IP interface, it can be easily integrated into building automation systems.
As a ceiling-mounted sensor, the EO Smart Space Sensor detects people even when they are not in motion – their mere presence is enough. The sensor uses human infrared heat radiation for this purpose: it superimposes a low-resolution heat matrix over the detection area and evaluates the temperature differences detected therein using intelligent software and the latest AI algorithms. In an area of up to 35 square meters (ca. 377 sq ft ), users can define up to ten active zones and five ignored areas. Because detection is fully anonymized, data privacy is always ensured.
Anonymous data about the number and location of people in a space can help optimize how areas are used. For example, EO can detect free desks in shared offices or the occupancy of meeting rooms (see image, left). In retail, the system can help optimize staffing levels by identifying queues early on.
Multiple Applications
In addition to presence detection, the EO also captures ambient brightness, temperature, and humidity levels in real time. This enables a wide range of smart building applications:
- Zoning: By dividing the monitored area into a detection matrix of 420 cells and 10 zones per sensor, very detailed monitoring and control become possible.
- Monitoring: The EO can detect when defined areas are entered or crossed. Door counts, for instance, can track how many people enter or leave a room or trigger actions based on movement.
- Counting: The EO provides data on how many people are moving through a building – key information for turning facilities into smart buildings.
- Locating: The sensor also provides insights into where people are currently located.
- Climate control: HVAC systems can be adjusted dynamically based on occupancy levels in specific zones.
- Measuring: The EO performs spot-accurate temperature readings across all zones in its detection range.
By using the quantitative data from the EO Smart Space Sensor, lighting and HVAC systems can be operated much more efficiently. Instead of running continuously at full capacity, they adjust dynamically to actual demand. This optimizes energy use and reduces costs and saves power – the sensor itself consumes only 1.2 watts in operation.
The EO ceiling sensor is available from specialist retailers in white and black as a surface-mounted or flush-mounted version. With an optional ceiling mounting adapter, bracket mounting in suspended surfaces is also possible.
Integration Into Building Automation
Configuration is done via Bluetooth® Mesh using the free STEINEL Connect App or, alternatively, through a web interface accessible via browser. Once set up, the EO makes its data available in two ways: within the Bluetooth Mesh network and through an IP interface.
In the first case, other Bluetooth Mesh-enabled devices, such as luminaires, can subscribe to the sensor’s data and react accordingly. The wired IP interface supports standard building automation protocols: MQTT, BACnet IP, and REST API (JSON). The same connection also powers the sensor –either via Passive PoE SELV or Standard PoE (IEEE 802.3 af). STEINEL provides a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for business customers according to its current warranty terms (link).
Capstone Analytics Platform
A particularly comprehensive overview of building operations is available through the STEINEL Capstone platform, which can be used in combination with the EO Smart Space Sensor. It visualizes all sensors and luminaires in a building along with their collected data – such as temperature, humidity, presence, brightness, and occupancy levels. Based on this information, optimization suggestions for a better energy balance and air conditioning can be created – if necessary, also in conjunction with all common building management systems.
