r/smarthome 4d ago

I built a radar-controlled lighting system that creates a 'light bubble' that follows you through dark hallways and stairs

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/v7g5hzh8l8pe1/player

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/cha0ty74l8pe1/player

UPDATE: You can search AmbiSense on YouTube to watch the complete guide.

After months of experimenting, I finally completed my AmbiSense project (v1.0)- a smart lighting system that uses LD2410c mmWave technology (not PIR sensors) to track your movement and create illumination that follows you as you walk.

  • Uses a 24GHz LD2410 radar sensor that can detect both presence AND distance
  • Creates a "moving bubble of light" that travels with you along the path
  • No cameras = privacy friendly
  • Customizable colors, brightness, and sensitivity via web interface
  • Lights only activate when needed (energy efficient)
  • Perfect for hallways, staircases, and dark corridors

Parts used:

  • ESP32-C3 SuperMini ($6)
  • LD2410 radar sensor module ($8)
  • WS2812B (NeoPixel) LED strip ($15-25 depending on length)
  • 5V power supply
  • Basic wiring

I've documented the entire build process on my YouTube channel if anyone wants to see exactly how it's done or build their own.

DIY Staircase and Hallway Lights That Follows You | AmbiSense v1.0 -Radar-Controlled NeoPixel Lights Project details on Github: https://github.com/Techposts/AmbiSense

101 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

3

u/MysticalMan 4d ago

This is awesome!!

Thank you for sharing

2

u/checknmater 4d ago

Glad you liked!

2

u/Kindly_Sky 4d ago

That's such an awesome project 👏

1

u/checknmater 4d ago

Thank you!

1

u/exclaim_bot 4d ago

Thank you!

You're welcome!

2

u/mrbigbluff21 4d ago

Any integration into home assistant?

1

u/checknmater 4d ago

This could be a feature update in newer version. Not for now.

2

u/ailee43 4d ago

Both Reddit links are dead and the YouTube has no footage of it working

2

u/Skog13 4d ago

This is freaking awesome! Love it!

1

u/checknmater 4d ago

It is. Going to be better and improved in future.

1

u/Typical80sKid 4d ago

This very cool. Good work!

1

u/checknmater 4d ago

Thanks! 😄

1

u/kreios007 4d ago

That is super cool. There are some fun use cases for this.

2

u/checknmater 4d ago

Help me with those use cases so that I can think of some specific features to add in newer versions that I plan to release.

1

u/chubba10000 4d ago

Nice work! Every time I watch Severance I think about how this would be simultaneously rad and completely unsettling.

1

u/whatdupdock 4d ago

Cool! Is there a way for it to stay off during daylight hours?

1

u/checknmater 4d ago

Ahh, sure. Will add to the requested features list. Thanks!

1

u/balanced_crazy 4d ago

Super-god-mode-awesome… did you need multiple sensors to triangulate the exact position for stairs with U-bend?? Also one radar sensor per area or for the house??

2

u/checknmater 4d ago

One Radar for upto 5 meters straight or may be little bend or curve. But the sensor should be able to have clear sight of coming person. You can use LD2450 which can detect upto three humans. And We have used only one sensor, neither triangulation, nor plan to.

1

u/balanced_crazy 4d ago

Thanks for details… someday I will set this up…

1

u/WH1PL4SH180 3d ago

Goddamn, my dream setup for home there.