Will these sensors work with the aeotec hub? Some documentation says you need their hub.
Thanks
The Aqara zigbee sensors work best with their own hub, and some models only work well with their own hub. But there are some models that can be connected directly to a smartthings/Aeotec hub, although they may require custom code, and the exact devices from other brands that you choose can affect the Aqara devices’ efficiency.
So the first rule of home automation definitely applies: “the model number matters.“
If you search the forum, you can find every possible answer to your question, because different people have had different experiences.
Some people are using the Aqara contact and motion sensors with no problems as long as they have custom code.
Other people tried them, found they wouldn’t stay connected, and ended up returning them.
If you can wait a few months, once matter is fully deployed, aqara is going to offer some of their hubs as “matter bridges” and at that point you should be able to add the aqara sensors to their own hub and then bring that hub into the smartthings app. No custom code required. Just as people using Apple HomeKit can bring the aqara hub into the Apple home app today. (But adding to HomeKit doesn’t give you smartthings integration. I’m just mentioning it as an example of how the future matter integration should work.)
Anyway, as you can see, it’s pretty much a trial and error situation if you do want to try them right now without their own hub. And the best integration is with the simple door sensors and motion sensors. The other more complicated sensors, including the presence sensors, have less successful integrations.
I myself use aqara sensors with their own hub in Apple home and I’m very happy with them. So I do like the devices, but I’m not yet happy with the smartthings integration.
Another Possible Future Option from Aqara
Another reason to wait is that aqara has announced that it intends to release a line of sensors that use thread instead of Zigbee. These will not need a hub, and as long as you have a thread border router, you should be able to add them directly to your smartthings account without needing custom code.
So again, the model number matters.
Anyway, this announcement is very good news, but the thread sensors are not yet available.
Your answers are always kind, precise and clear. thanks for everything you do!
this is a bold statement. My current experience with the Thread so far is “just another protocol” it will work within one eco-system and will not with other manufacturers.
The coordination between manufacturers in the Thread Group is close to nonexistent. Despite the latest firmware updates, I was unable to connect Google, SmartThings, and Nanoleaf Thread devices together. I never received any response from either Nanoleaf support or the Thread Group regarding this issue.
Here is the question that SmartThings left unanswered: Thread support - #4 by veonua
https://www.aqara.com/us/news/article/1583280087822561280
** Aqara devices that are intended to receive SmartThings support include Door and Window Sensor T1, Motion Sensor T1, Temperature and Humidity Sensor T1, Water Leak Sensor T1, Illuminance Sensor T1, High Precision Motion Sensor, Wireless Mini Switch T1, Wireless Remote Switch T1 (Single & Double Rocker), Cube T1 Pro, Wireless Smart Knob H1, Smart Wall Switch (US-style, No Neutral, Single & Double Rocker), Smart Wall Switch H1 Pro (With Neutral, Single, Double & Triple Rocker), Smart Plug (EU), Roller Shade Controller, Curtain Controller (Zigbee 1.2), LED Strip Driver T1* and Dimmer Controller T1 Pro .
True. That’s why I said “should” instead of “will.” Also why I said “possible future option.*
As always, we will have to wait and see what actually gets delivered once the aqara devices are available for regular purchase.