New Shelly BLU Distance sensor for smart homes launching soon

The Shelly BLU Distance is launching soon. Shown at IFA 2025, this smart Bluetooth ultrasonic sensor can be used to measure the distance between two surfaces. It has a range of smart home applications, such as monitoring the level of a water tank or checking if a car is parked in a garage or driveway.

According to Shelly, the BLU Distance sensor can measure distances between 0.25 and 5 m (~0.8 to 16.4 ft), with mm-level accuracy. There are four preset range profiles, and the company indicates that it has made compensations for changes in temperature to ensure accurate measurements in various conditions. Users can also choose the frequency of data captures between 5 and 300 seconds, with 30 seconds as the default. Plus, there is an obstacle detection feature, and the device will run for two to three years on its lithium battery.

At launch, the Shelly BLU Distance sensor will support Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, with Zigbee coming in a future firmware update. Users will be able to remotely manage the device through the Shelly Smart Control app, and it is compatible with many of the brand’s gateways, including the BLU Gateway (curr. $17.99 at Amazon). Plus, the device is relatively compact, fitting into a 36 mm (~1.4 inch) opening.

Shelly’s BLU Distance sensor will retail for $31.49/€24.90 in North America and Europe. While it is currently listed as out of stock at the brand’s online store, prospective customers can sign up to get an email notification when the product becomes available.