Key Takeaways
1. The Shelly BLU Distance is a Bluetooth ultrasonic sensor designed to measure distances between surfaces, with applications in smart homes.
2. It can measure distances from 0.25 to 5 m (0.8 to 16.4 ft) with millimeter-level precision and has adjustable data capture intervals from 5 to 300 seconds.
3. The sensor uses Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 for connectivity, with future Zigbee support expected through a firmware update.
4. The retail price is set at $31.49/€24.90, but it is currently out of stock, with an option to subscribe for restock alerts.
5. The device is compact, designed to fit into a 36 mm (1.4 inch) opening, and features a battery life of 2 to 3 years.
The Shelly BLU Distance is set to launch in the near future. It was showcased at IFA 2025, and this advanced Bluetooth ultrasonic sensor is designed to measure the space between two surfaces. It has several applications in smart homes, like keeping track of water tank levels or verifying if a vehicle is parked in a garage or driveway.
Measurement Capabilities
According to Shelly, the BLU Distance sensor can gauge distances from 0.25 to 5 m (about 0.8 to 16.4 ft) with millimeter-level precision. There are four different preset range profiles, and the company claims to have made adjustments for temperature variations to guarantee accurate readings in various environments. Users can also set how often data is captured, choosing between 5 and 300 seconds, with 30 seconds being the default option. Additionally, the device includes an obstacle detection feature and is powered by a lithium battery that lasts for two to three years.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Upon its release, the Shelly BLU Distance sensor will utilize Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, and Zigbee support is expected to come through a firmware update later. The device can be controlled remotely via the Shelly Smart Control app, and it works with several of the brand’s gateways, including the BLU Gateway (currently priced at $17.99 on Amazon). Furthermore, the sensor is fairly small, fitting comfortably into a 36 mm (around 1.4 inch) opening.
Pricing and Availability
The retail price for the Shelly BLU Distance sensor is set at $31.49/€24.90 in both North America and Europe. Although it’s currently marked as out of stock in the brand’s online shop, interested buyers can subscribe to receive email alerts when the product is back in stock.
Leave a Reply