Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Do you love smart homes, but don't want 10 different sensors and remote controls? Then the LinknLink eMotion Ultra be exactly the solution. A single device with radar sensors, IR blaster, BLE hub and environmental monitoring - and all without cameras! I took a look at what the Ultra can do, where its strengths lie and what you should look out for when buying it.
For detailed instructions and an explanation of all configuration options, I recommend the YouTube video linked below. In this video, every single setting is explained in detail so that you receive comprehensive instructions for the exact setup. You can find any code from the video in this article so that you can use it directly without having to type it in.
What is the eMotion Ultra?
- A sensor device based on 60 GHz mmWave radarthat precisely detects presence and movement.
- Additionally equipped with IR blaster, light intensity sensor and sensors for temperature and humidity.
- Can be controlled via local smart home systems (e.g. Home Assistant) and voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Home and Siri.
How does the technology work?
First of all, what is hidden behind mmWave Radar? This is a 60GHz frequency technology that detects tiny movements - breathing, heartbeat, even when you are sitting still or sleeping. That means no classic motion detector that only reacts when you are clearly moving. Even if you only move from one position on the couch to another, this can be detected precisely and you can trigger your own automations, for example.
There are also sensors for brightness, temperature and humidity - very practical if you want to control certain automations depending on the lighting conditions or room climate.
This creates a completely new level of Presence detection:
- You sit at your desk, barely move the mouse → the sensor still registers your presence.
- You are sleeping in bed → the sensor knows that someone is in the room through the breathing movement.
- Several people are there → the sensor recognizes up to 4 people at the same timeregardless of how actively they move.
Another advantage: radar "sees" through thin materials (e.g. curtains), but is not able to film you like a camera. What the technology does Data protection friendly and very inconspicuous.
The zones & presence: why are they useful?
A real highlight are the individual zonesthat you can define within the room. The eMotion Ultra can control up to four different areas monitor - and trigger separate actions for each zone.
Practical examples of zone control:
- Sofa zone: When someone is sitting here, the light dims automatically and the TV switches on.
- Desk zone: If the sensor detects you here, the desk lamp goes up and the room light remains constantly bright.
- Bed zone: In the evening, your presence in bed ensures that the blinds are darkened and a night mode is activated (lower the heating slightly, switch on the cell phone charging station).
- Output range: As soon as nobody is in this area, the heating is shut down and all appliances are switched off.
👉 This means that you can set up your smart home not only room by room, but zone by zone automate - a whole new level of convenience and efficiency.
Why the whole thing is better than classic motion detectors
Normal PIR sensors ("Passive Infrared") are Blind for fine movements.
Examples:
- If you sit quietly in front of your PC, the light goes out.
- If you are watching a movie, the heating is turned down.
This is annoying - and makes many smart homes seem impractical. This doesn't happen with mmWave radar, because every minimal movement is detected.
What's new compared to its predecessors?
If you already know the eMotion Max or Pro:
- For the first time, the Ultra has a IR blaster integrated - you can control classic devices such as TV, air conditioning, audio devices.
- Better environmental monitoring: temperature and humidity are also taken into account.
- More accessory control via BLE, more usage options with fewer additional devices required.
Why do you even need such a device?
Classic motion detectors are inaccurate
Normal PIR motion detectors only react if you are clearly moving. If you are sitting quietly at your desk or watching a movie, many systems think: "No one there". The light goes out or the heating goes down - annoying and impractical.
The eMotion Ultra uses 60GHz mmWave radar. This allows it to detect even the smallest movements such as breathing or heartbeat. This means that it knows that you are in the room, even if you are not moving.
More convenience through automation
You can automate several processes with one device:
- Lighting controlDims automatically when you come into the living room in the evening.
- Air conditioning/heating: Only switches on when someone is actually present.
- SecurityDetects when rooms are entered - even quietly and unobtrusively.
- EntertainmentTurns off the TV or sound system via IR blaster when you leave.
This saves energy, increases comfort and makes your home even smarter.
Privacy instead of camera surveillance
Many people shy away from cameras as presence sensors - understandably, because of data protection and the feeling of being watched.
The eMotion Ultra is coming Completely without camera off. It only recognizes you via radar and sensors - discreetly, safely and with a focus on your privacy.
Space & cost savings
Normally you need for the same functions:
- a motion detector,
- a thermometer,
- a hygrometer,
- a smart remote control,
- a BLE hub.
With the eMotion Ultra you can replace all of this in just one device. This saves space, sockets and ultimately even money.
The advantages at a glance
✅ Precise presence thanks to mmWave radar (even without movement)
✅ MultisensorTemperature, humidity, brightness included
✅ IR blaster: Controls classic devices such as TV or air conditioning
✅ BLE hub: Integrates up to 20 Bluetooth devices
✅ CompatibilityAlexa, Google Home, Home Assistant, MQTT
✅ Zone control: Up to 4 areas can be individually defined
✅ Privacy: No cameras necessary
✅ Multi-person detection: Perfect for families or shared flats
Integration in Home Assistant - how it works
Do you use Home Assistant? Perfect! The eMotion Ultra is made for it.
Step 1: Set up WLAN
- Install the LinknLink Appto bring it into the network.
- Connect the sensor to your 2.4 GHz WLAN.
Step 2: Configure MQTT
- The sensor speaks natively MQTT.
- Enter the data of your MQTT broker (IP, port, user, password) in the app for your device.
Step 3: Home Assistant integration
- Activate the MQTT add-on in Home Assistant (if you use the OS or Supervised, otherwise you need your own Docker container for MQTT).
- Topics such as
emotion/ultra/presenceoremotion/ultra/temperaturebecome visible. - You will immediately see the entity under the integration of MQTT in Home Assistant.
Automation ideas
The strength of the eMotion Ultra lies not only in the detection, but also in the Combinations with other smart home devices. A few inspirations:
- Light & ambience
- Automatic dimming when the sofa is occupied.
- Color change of the lighting (e.g. warm white in the evening, cool white during the day).
- Activate the night light as soon as movement is detected at the bed.
- Climate & Energy
- Radiator only regulates itself up when someone is actually sitting in the zone.
- Humidifier starts when the humidity falls below 40 % AND you are in the room.
- Air conditioning switches off as soon as everyone has left the room.
- Security
- Detection of unauthorized presence: Movement in the room although no one should be at home → Alarm or push message.
- Combination with door/window sensors (via BLE): If window open + no one in the room → heating off immediately.
- Entertainment
- The TV or sound system comes on automatically when you are in the sofa zone.
- When you leave the room, the IR blaster switches off the TV and speakers.
- Multi-person household
- Detects several people at the same time: e.g. heating remains on as long as at least one person is in the room.
- Different routines depending on the person (in combination with smartphone or presence detection).
YouTube video implementation
Conclusion
The LinknLink eMotion Ultra is one of the most versatile solutions currently available if you want to bundle as much automation as possible into one device - presence with high sensitivity, environmental monitoring, IR control, BLE hub. If you are willing to invest a little more and put a little time into setup & possibly firmware updates, you get a lot of smart home convenience in one device.
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