Logitech’s tiny radar sensors could let managers see if a cubicle is occupied
WTF?! Following the pandemic, companies are rethinking their physical footprints and looking for ways to optimize whatever desk space employees use. Logitech believes it has part of the solution with a tiny radar sensor called Spot.
The Spot is basically a peel-and-stick pebble that uses radar to detect people’s presence. It can see about 16 feet in front of it and also sense movement from side to side. Stick one of these on the wall, and your office will know when rooms are occupied and by how many people.
The device is also loaded with environmental sensors to measure air quality, CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, and more. Logitech says companies can use this data to make sure office conditions are ideal for employees.
However, the bigger play here is giving companies deeper insights into how their physical workspaces are actually being utilized. Facility managers can see which areas are being underutilized by blanketing the office with these sensors.
Henry Levak, the head of product for Logitech’s business division, told The Verge that there are already cameras to monitor larger spaces. But the beauty of Spot is adding that same visibility to smaller rooms and huddle areas “where you don’t want cameras pointing at people.”
The company touts several use cases: automating unused room reservations, optimizing HVAC systems based on real occupancy instead of schedules, and even potential cognitive benefits from avoiding stale air buildup.
Spot transmits its sensor data wirelessly to hubs using low-power LoRaWAN radio technology. It hooks into Logitech’s existing office management solutions such as interactive maps and scheduling panels. It also integrates with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and various workplace platforms via APIs. The sensors run for up to four years on a single battery.
Of course, densely blanketing the corporate campus with occupancy sensors also provides a panoptic view into individual movements and behaviors. But Logitech emphasizes that the radar isn’t precise enough to identify specific people, and it’s certainly less invasive than office cameras.
Spot officially launches in the second half of this year.
