Why Proximity-Based Detection is the New Standard for Smart Buildings

Proximity Presence Sensor

In the design of modern smart buildings, there is a fundamental distinction between detecting “activity” and detecting “occupancy.” While standard motion sensors are the workhorses of hallways and high-traffic areas, a new level of environmental intelligence is required for spaces where stillness is the norm, think of an executive cabin, a library, or a modern deep-work office pod. The challenge in these quiet spaces has historically been the “false-off” scenario. We have all experienced that moment when the lights dim while we are deep in focus, requiring a wave of the arms to reset the timer. This is where the proximity presence sensor plays its crucial role to refine it.

Proximity Presence Sensor: The Sensinova Portfolio Expansion

We have expanded our specialized portfolio with the launch of the Triggo Proximity Presence Sensor. While our motion sensor range is engineered to capture energetic movement in transitional spaces, the Triggo is built for high-fidelity sensitivity.

It is designed to detect obstacles, the rhythmic motion of typing, the subtle shift of a chair, or the minute physiological signals of a person at rest.

How Proximity Detection Redefines the User Experience

The technology behind Triggo uses advanced algorithms to create an invisible, high-density detection field. Unlike standard sensors that look for major shifts in infrared heat or ultrasonic waves, proximity-based presence sensors analyze the environment for the smallest human signatures.

  • Continuous Awareness: The Triggo asks “Is a human here?” rather than “Is there an obstacle?” This distinction ensures that as long as a person occupies a space, the environmental systems remain active.

  • Environmental Filtering: The sensor’s intelligence is tuned to distinguish between human micro-movements and non-human interference, such as moving curtains or air currents from HVAC vents.
Strategic Applications: Matching the Sensor to the Space

Expert building automation is about selecting the right tool for the right application. By integrating Triggo with our existing sensor lineup, facility managers can implement a more nuanced automation strategy.

1. Focused Workspaces & Executive Cabins

In private offices where professionals spend hours reading or analyzing data, the Triggo ensures that lighting and climate control remain stable. It supports “Deep Work” by removing the distraction of light cycling.

2. Specialized Washroom Automation

One of the most effective applications for high-sensitivity presence detection is in washroom stalls. Standard sensors often struggle with line-of-sight issues in these partitioned areas. The Triggo’s proximity-based logic ensures consistent lighting and ventilation, enhancing both hygiene and user comfort.

3. Modern Conference & Huddle Rooms

During a digital presentation or a quiet brainstorming session, participants may remain stationary for long periods. The Triggo maintains the room’s ambient settings without requiring anyone to interrupt their flow to “re-trigger” the sensor.

The Triple Bottom Line: Efficiency, Wellness, and ESG

Integrating proximity-based detection into a building’s ecosystem provides a measurable boost to several key performance indicators:

  • Refined Energy Efficiency: By accurately identifying when a room is truly empty—even if it was quiet just moments before the Triggo eliminates unnecessary power drain, contributing significantly to a building’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

  • Occupant Wellness: Lighting that responds intuitively to human presence reduces mental friction and physical strain, creating a more “humancentric” environment.

  • Operational Longevity: Precise detection reduces the “on-off” stress on LED drivers and HVAC actuators, extending the lifespan of the building’s mechanical assets.

A New Baseline for "Smart" Spaces

The launch of the Sensinova Triggo represents a shift toward more empathetic technology. It acknowledges that human beings aren’t always moving, but they are always present.

By adding proximity detection to your building automation toolkit, you are not just installing a sensor; you are installing a higher level of responsiveness. It is about creating a space that truly understands its occupants.

The science behind PIR motion sensors demonstrates how thoughtful design can lead to intelligent outcomes. By leveraging natural infrared energy to detect human presence, these systems enable responsive lighting that saves money, energy, and effort.

Sensinova’s range of PIR motion sensors stands at the forefront of this innovation. Engineered for precision and reliability, they bring the power of automation to everyday environments — from commercial corridors to corporate offices.

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