Homey Highlights Apollo Automation Sensors in Comprehensive Works With Homey Partner Feature
Versailles, KY - Homey has published a comprehensive feature article about Apollo Automation on their Works With Homey partner showcase. The detailed writeup highlights our mmWave presence sensors, air quality monitors, and plant sensors as premium additions to the Homey smart home ecosystem.
As an established Works With Homey certified partner, Apollo Automation sensors have been integrated with the Homey platform since earlier this year. This new feature article from Homey's editorial team provides an in-depth look at how Apollo's innovative multi-sensor devices enhance Homey automations and smart home capabilities.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale: All Apollo Automation sensors compatible with Homey are currently on sale through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Visit apolloautomation.com to save 5% on MSR-2, MTR-1, R PRO-1, AIR-1, PLT-1, and all other sensors that work seamlessly with your Homey setup.
What is Homey?
Homey is one of Europe's most popular smart home platforms, offering both cloud-based (Homey Cloud) and local hardware solutions (Homey Pro). Known for supporting an incredibly wide range of smart home protocols including Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter, Thread, 433 MHz, and KNX, Homey provides a unified platform for controlling devices from hundreds of manufacturers.
Homey's Key Features:
Protocol Support: Homey Pro supports six wireless protocols simultaneously, making it one of the most versatile smart home hubs available. This means Zigbee sensors, Z-Wave switches, Matter devices, and Apollo's WiFi-based sensors all work together seamlessly.
Advanced Flow: Homey's visual automation builder allows users to create sophisticated smart home automations without coding. The Advanced Flow interface provides a node-based system for building complex logic with multiple triggers, conditions, and actions.
Local Processing: Homey Pro processes automations locally, ensuring fast response times and reliability even when internet connectivity is unavailable.
European Market Leader: With strong adoption across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia, Homey has built a reputation for reliability and extensive device support.
Apollo Sensors Featured on Homey
MSR-2 and MTR-1: The World's Smallest Presence Multi-Sensors
Homey's writeup emphasizes that the Apollo Automation MSR-2 and MTR-1 are the smallest occupancy multi-sensors ever made, representing a significant advancement in presence detection technology for smart homes.
MSR-2 Presence Multi-Sensor
The MSR-2 specializes in detecting static human presence using mmWave radar technology. As Homey notes in their feature, "Unlike traditional motion sensors, Apollo's presence sensors use mmWave technology to detect even subtle movements, such as breathing. That means your automations are more accurate and won't miss someone who's simply sitting still."
This capability is transformative for Homey automations. Traditional PIR motion sensors fail when people remain stationary, causing lights to turn off while reading, working, or watching TV. The MSR-2's mmWave radar maintains presence detection even when occupants are completely motionless, ensuring automations remain accurate in real-world scenarios.
MSR-2 Specifications:
- mmWave radar: HLK-LD2410B (single-target tracking, ~6m range)
- Environmental sensors: LTR-390UV (lux and UV index), DPS310 (temperature and pressure)
- Optional: SCD40 CO₂ sensor module
- Connectivity: WiFi (ESP32-C3), Bluetooth tracking support
- Feedback: RGB NeoPixel LED, piezo buzzer
- Dimensions: Compact form factor, 30% smaller than MSR-1
MTR-1 Multi-Target Radar Multi-Sensor
The MTR-1 focuses on multi-target and zone tracking, using the HLK-LD2450 radar to simultaneously track up to three people and monitor specific zones within a room. This enables sophisticated Homey automations that respond differently based on which area of a room is occupied.
MTR-1 Specifications:
- mmWave radar: HLK-LD2450 (multi-target tracking, up to 3 targets, ~6m range)
- Zone detection: Configure up to 3 detection zones
- Environmental sensors: LTR-390UV (lux/UV), DPS310 (temp/pressure)
- Optional: SCD40 CO₂ sensor module
- Connectivity: WiFi (ESP32-C3), Bluetooth support
- Feedback: RGB NeoPixel LED, piezo buzzer
- Dimensions: 49 × 32 × 15mm
R PRO-1: Professional PoE Multi-Sensor
For professional installations and commercial applications, the R PRO-1 combines both technologies. As Homey describes: "The PRO-1 PoE sensor combines both functions. It uses two mmWave sensors simultaneously to deliver accurate static presence detection and zone-based tracking."
The R PRO-1 features dual radar modules (LD2450 for multi-zone tracking, optional LD2412 for enhanced static presence), making it the most capable presence sensor in Apollo's lineup. Power over Ethernet (PoE) support enables clean installations in commercial environments, hotels, offices, and smart buildings.
What All Three Sensors Offer for Homey Users:
As Homey highlights: "Besides presence detection, all three devices measure ambient light, UV index, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Users can also add a high-quality Sensirion CO₂ sensor to monitor indoor carbon dioxide levels, helping to maintain healthy air quality."
This multi-sensor approach means Homey users need fewer separate devices. One MSR-2 replaces a motion sensor, light sensor, temperature sensor, and optionally a CO₂ monitor, reducing device clutter while improving automation accuracy.
AIR-1: Comprehensive Air Quality Monitoring
Homey's feature emphasizes the AIR-1's comprehensive approach: "The Apollo Automation AIR-1 goes beyond basic CO₂ tracking to provide a comprehensive view of your indoor air quality. It continuously gathers data on key environmental factors and makes that data available in Homey for automations, such as triggering an air purifier when pollutant levels rise."
Standard AIR-1 Measurements (Sensirion SEN55 sensor):
- Particulate Matter: PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 (dust, smoke, pollen, allergens)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC Index): Off-gassing from furnishings, cleaning products, paints
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx Index): Combustion byproducts from gas appliances, cooking
- Temperature and Humidity: Environmental monitoring
- Barometric Pressure: DPS310 sensor for weather tracking and CO₂ calibration
Optional AIR-1 Upgrades:
SCD40 CO₂ Sensor Module: As Homey notes, this "enables you to track carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is essential for understanding indoor air quality and freshness." The SCD40 is factory-calibrated and provides accurate readings from 400-5000 ppm.
MiCS-4514 Gas Sensor Module: For advanced monitoring, this module "enables the detection of additional gases, including carbon monoxide (CO), alcohol, hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ammonia (NH₃)."
Homey Automation Examples with AIR-1:
The AIR-1's comprehensive data enables sophisticated Homey automations:
- Automatically activate air purifiers when PM2.5 exceeds healthy levels
- Open windows or boost ventilation when CO₂ rises above 1000 ppm
- Trigger range hood exhaust when VOC or NOx spikes during cooking
- Send notifications when indoor air quality degrades
- Create visual indicators using smart lights (green for good air, yellow for moderate, red for poor)
- Log air quality trends in Homey Insights for long-term data tracking
PLT-1: Smart Plant Care Sensor
Homey's writeup recognizes the PLT-1 as "A Solution for Plant Lovers," highlighting its precision monitoring capabilities: "This compact sensor monitors key conditions that affect plant health, helping you care for your plants with precision rather than guesswork."
PLT-1 Capabilities:
Soil Moisture Monitoring: The capacitive soil moisture sensor provides accurate, long-lasting readings without the corrosion issues of resistive sensors. As Homey describes: "The PLT-1 accurately measures soil moisture, so you'll know exactly when to water."
Environmental Tracking: The PLT-1 also tracks ambient light (LTR-390UV sensor) and temperature (AHT20-F sensor), helping users understand whether plants are receiving adequate light and whether temperatures are within optimal ranges.
Optional Soil Temperature: An optional DS18B20 waterproof probe provides soil temperature measurement for advanced plant care.
Homey Automations for Plants:
Homey users can create sophisticated plant care automations: "Integrated with Homey, the PLT-1 can send smart notifications or trigger automations, such as turning on grow lights or activating a watering system, based on real-time data from your plants."
Example Homey Flows:
- Turn on grow lights when ambient light drops below plant-specific thresholds
- Send notifications when soil moisture drops to levels requiring watering
- Activate automated watering systems based on moisture readings
- Adjust indoor climate (humidifiers, heaters) based on plant sensor data
- Track plant health over time using Homey Insights
How Apollo Sensors Integrate With Homey
Apollo Automation sensors connect to Homey through the official Apollo Automation app available in the Homey App Store. The integration provides full access to all sensor data, enabling comprehensive automation capabilities.
Installation Process:
- Install the Apollo Automation app from Homey App Store
- Add Apollo sensors to your WiFi network using the Apollo mobile app or ESPHome
- Discover sensors automatically in Homey
- Begin building automations using sensor data in Homey Flow or Advanced Flow
Available Device Capabilities in Homey:
Apollo sensors expose the following capabilities to Homey's automation engine:
Presence Sensors (MSR-2, MTR-1, R PRO-1):
- Presence detection (binary occupancy status)
- Target count (MTR-1, R PRO-1 with LD2450)
- Zone occupancy (MTR-1, R PRO-1)
- Distance measurements
- Ambient light level (lux)
- UV index
- Temperature
- Humidity (if SCD40 installed)
- CO₂ level (if SCD40 installed)
- Air pressure
Air Quality Monitor (AIR-1):
- PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 particulate matter
- VOC index
- NOx index
- CO₂ level (if SCD40 installed)
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Air pressure
- Gas detection status (if MiCS-4514 installed)
Plant Sensor (PLT-1):
- Soil moisture percentage
- Ambient light level
- UV index
- Air temperature
- Soil temperature (if DS18B20 probe installed)
Real-World Homey Automation Examples
Homey's visual automation builder makes it simple to create powerful smart home scenarios using Apollo sensors. Here are practical examples:
Intelligent Lighting with MSR-2
Scenario: Automatically control lighting based on presence and ambient light levels.
Homey Flow:
- When: MSR-2 detects presence
- And: Ambient light < 50 lux
- Then: Gradually dim up Philips Hue lights to 80% brightness
- When: MSR-2 detects no presence for 5 minutes
- Then: Gradually dim down lights to 0%
This automation works perfectly because the MSR-2's mmWave radar maintains presence detection even when sitting still. Traditional motion sensors would turn off lights while reading or working at a desk.
Air Quality Management with AIR-1
Scenario: Maintain healthy indoor air quality automatically.
Homey Advanced Flow:
- Trigger 1: AIR-1 PM2.5 > 35 µg/m³
- Action 1: Turn on Philips air purifier to auto mode
- Action 2: Send Homey notification: "Air quality degraded, purifier activated"
- Trigger 2: AIR-1 CO₂ > 1000 ppm
- Condition: Outside temperature between 15-25°C
- Action 1: Open Velux smart windows
- Action 2: Send notification: "CO₂ high, ventilating"
- Trigger 3: AIR-1 VOC index > 250
- Action: Activate range hood exhaust fan
- Trigger 4: All AIR-1 values return to normal
- Action 1: Turn off air purifier
- Action 2: Close windows
- Action 3: Turn off exhaust fan
Smart Plant Care with PLT-1
Scenario: Automate plant watering and lighting.
Homey Flow:
- When: PLT-1 soil moisture < 20%
- And: Time between 07:00 and 20:00
- Then: Send notification: "Fiddle leaf fig needs watering"
- When: PLT-1 ambient light < 200 lux
- And: Time between 06:00 and 22:00
- Then: Turn on Philips Hue grow light bulb
- When: PLT-1 ambient light > 500 lux
- Or: Time after 22:00
- Then: Turn off grow light
Multi-Room Climate Control with Multiple Sensors
Scenario: Intelligent climate management across multiple rooms.
Homey Advanced Flow:
- Input: Temperature and humidity from MSR-2 sensors in living room, bedroom, office
- Input: CO₂ from AIR-1 sensors in each room
- Logic: Calculate average temperature, identify rooms with high CO₂
-
Actions:
- Adjust Tado smart thermostats per room
- Open/close Somfy smart blinds based on temperature and sun position
- Activate ERV ventilation boost in high-CO₂ rooms
- Balance humidity using smart humidifiers/dehumidifiers
This multi-room scenario demonstrates Homey's strength in coordinating complex automations across many devices and sensors.
Why Apollo Automation + Homey Works So Well
As Homey eloquently states in their feature: "Even the most precise data isn't worth much unless you use it. Accurate presence detection and environmental insights only become valuable when they actually improve your home."
The combination of Apollo's accurate, multi-function sensors with Homey's powerful automation engine creates a smart home system that truly enhances daily life:
Fewer Devices: Apollo's multi-sensor approach means fewer separate devices needed in your home, reducing visual clutter and simplifying management.
Accurate Automations: mmWave presence detection eliminates the false negatives of PIR motion sensors, ensuring lights, climate control, and other automations respond correctly to actual occupancy.
Rich Data for Better Decisions: Comprehensive environmental monitoring provides the data needed for sophisticated automations that optimize comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality.
Local Control: Both Apollo sensors and Homey Pro support local processing, ensuring fast response times and reliability without cloud dependencies.
Easy Integration: The official Apollo Automation app for Homey provides plug-and-play integration with full device capability exposure.
Apollo Automation's Growing Ecosystem
Apollo Automation's Works With Homey certification expands our ecosystem reach beyond our core Home Assistant community:
Existing Certifications and Partnerships:
- Works With Home Assistant (official partnership)
- Made For ESPHome (all WiFi sensors)
- Works With Homey (official certification)
Compatible Platforms:
- Home Assistant (primary platform, native ESPHome integration)
- Homey (official app and certification)
- Hubitat (community integration for AIR-1, expanding)
- HomeSeer (WiFi sensor support)
- Any ESPHome-compatible platform
This multi-platform approach ensures Apollo sensors remain valuable investments regardless of which smart home ecosystem users prefer. Many users even run multiple platforms simultaneously, and Apollo sensors work seamlessly across all of them.
European Market Expansion
The Homey partnership represents significant growth for Apollo Automation in European markets. Homey's strong presence across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia, introduces Apollo sensors to thousands of European smart home enthusiasts.
European Distribution:
Apollo Automation products are available through European distributors including:
- Open-Circuit (Netherlands-based distributor)
- slim-juisje.nl (Netherlands)
- Additional European partnerships in development
International Shipping:
Apollo ships directly to European customers from our Versailles, Kentucky facility, with typical delivery times of 1-2 weeks to European destinations. All products include CE certification for European compliance.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale
All Apollo Automation sensors compatible with Homey are currently 5% off through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This includes:
- MSR-2 mmWave Multi-Sensor
- MTR-1 Multi-Target Radar Multi-Sensor
- R PRO-1 PoE mmWave Multi-Sensor
- AIR-1 Air Quality Monitor
- PLT-1 Plant Sensor
- TEMP-1 Temperature Sensor
- PUMP-1 Fluid Pump
- M-1 LED Matrix
- BTN-1 Macro Deck
- DEV-1 and DEV-2 Development Boards
Visit apolloautomation.com to save on all sensors that work seamlessly with your Homey setup. Sale ends Cyber Monday.
Getting Started: Apollo Sensors with Homey
Ready to add Apollo Automation sensors to your Homey setup? Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Choose Your Sensors
Determine which Apollo sensors fit your needs:
- MSR-2: Best for accurate presence detection in single rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms, offices)
- MTR-1: Ideal for multi-zone tracking in larger spaces (living rooms, open-plan areas)
- R PRO-1: Professional installations, PoE-powered, dual radar capabilities
- AIR-1: Comprehensive air quality monitoring anywhere air quality matters
- PLT-1: Smart plant care for indoor gardening
Step 2: Order from Apollo Automation
Visit apolloautomation.com to order sensors with Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing and shipping to your location:
- USA: Ships same-day or next-day from Versailles, Kentucky
- Europe: Direct international shipping, typically 1-2 weeks delivery
- Other International: Worldwide shipping available
Step 3: Set Up Sensors
Apollo sensors run ESPHome firmware and connect via WiFi:
- Power on sensor via USB-C
- Connect to sensor's WiFi hotspot
- Configure your home WiFi credentials
- Sensor appears on your network
Step 4: Add to Homey
- Install "Apollo Automation" app from Homey App Store
- Add device and discover sensors automatically
- Configure sensor settings and device names
- Begin building automations in Homey Flow
Step 5: Create Automations
Start with simple automations and gradually build complexity:
- Begin with basic presence-triggered lighting
- Add ambient light conditions for smarter behavior
- Expand to multi-sensor scenarios across rooms
- Experiment with Advanced Flow for complex logic
Technical Details for Homey Integration
Connectivity:
Apollo sensors connect to Homey via WiFi using the ESPHome protocol. The Homey Apollo Automation app communicates with sensors over your local network, with no cloud services required for basic operation.
Update Management:
Firmware updates for Apollo sensors are managed through ESPHome, either via Home Assistant (if you also run HA) or through ESPHome Dashboard running separately. Homey does not directly manage firmware updates but continues working with sensors regardless of firmware version.
Reliability:
Apollo sensors maintain persistent WiFi connections and automatically reconnect if network disruptions occur. The Homey Apollo Automation app handles connection management and reports sensor status in the Homey interface.
Data Update Frequency:
- Presence detection: Updates within 1 second of state change
- Environmental sensors: Updates every 60 seconds (configurable)
- Air quality sensors: Updates every 60 seconds (configurable)
- Plant sensors: Updates every 5-10 minutes (optimized for battery life on PLT-1B)
Conclusion
Homey's comprehensive feature article about Apollo Automation sensors highlights the innovation and quality that Apollo brings to the smart home ecosystem. The detailed writeup showcases how Apollo's mmWave presence sensors, air quality monitors, and plant sensors enhance Homey automations with accurate, comprehensive data.
As Homey concludes in their feature: "Discover the official Apollo Automation app in the Homey App Store to start using their sensors in your Flows."
Whether you're building a new Homey-powered smart home or enhancing an existing setup, Apollo Automation sensors provide the accurate, comprehensive data needed for truly intelligent automations. Combined with Homey's powerful Flow engine and extensive protocol support, the result is a smart home system that enhances daily life without complexity or frustration.
Ready to add Apollo sensors to your Homey setup?
Visit apolloautomation.com to explore our full sensor lineup with Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing, or check out the official Apollo Automation feature on Homey's website.
Join the Apollo Automation community on Discord at dsc.gg/apolloautomation to connect with both Home Assistant and Homey users, share automation ideas, and get support for your smart home projects.
About Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation develops advanced hardware and software for smart home, commercial, and industrial markets. As a Works With Home Assistant, Made For ESPHome, and Works With Homey certified partner, we specialize in mmWave presence sensors, air quality monitors, temperature sensors, plant sensors, and custom IoT solutions. Founded by University of Kentucky graduates, we design, engineer, and manufacture everything in-house at our Versailles, Kentucky facility, with worldwide shipping and growing European distribution.
Visit: apolloautomation.com Homey Feature: homey.app/works-with-homey/apollo-automation Community: dsc.gg/apolloautomation
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