March 2026 – Amazon Sidewalk Expands to Motion Sensing
Amazon has announced that its Sidewalk low-bandwidth, long-range network now supports PIR motion sensors, enabling devices to leverage the community network for extended coverage and improved reliability. Several manufacturers are launching Sidewalk-compatible PIR sensors at the 2026 Amazon Devices Event.
What is Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon Sidewalk is a shared community network that uses a small portion of customers’ internet bandwidth to provide connectivity for low-bandwidth devices. It operates on 900 MHz spectrum and can reach devices hundreds of meters away, even outside the home.
Benefits for PIR Sensors
Extended Range
Sidewalk-enabled PIR sensors can be placed far from the home’s Wi-Fi network – at the end of a long driveway, in a detached garage, or even in a backyard shed. The sensors connect via Sidewalk to a nearby bridge (Echo devices, Ring cameras, or dedicated Sidewalk gateways).
Improved Reliability
If one Sidewalk bridge goes offline, the sensor can automatically connect to another nearby bridge in the neighborhood. This mesh-like redundancy ensures alerts are delivered even during local internet outages.
Lower Power Consumption
Sidewalk’s low-power protocol is optimized for battery-operated devices, complementing the ultra-low power consumption of modern PIR sensors. Combined systems can achieve multi-year battery life.
Simplified Setup
Sidewalk devices automatically onboard when within range of a registered Sidewalk gateway – no complex Wi-Fi configuration required. Amazon claims setup time under 60 seconds.
New Product Announcements
Ring Sidewalk Motion Sensor
Ring’s new outdoor PIR sensor uses Sidewalk to communicate with Ring Alarm systems. Features:
- 12-meter detection range with pet-immune optics
- Weather-resistant design (IP55)
- 5-year battery life (2x AA lithium)
- Integrates with Ring Alarm and Alexa routines
- Price: $34.99
Eufy Sidewalk Motion Detector
Anker’s Eufy brand announced a Sidewalk-compatible indoor/outdoor sensor:
- 140° field of view, 10-meter range
- Works with Eufy Security ecosystem
- Optional solar charging panel
- Price: $29.99
Third-Party Developer Kit
Amazon is also releasing a Sidewalk developer kit for PIR sensor manufacturers, including reference designs and certification tools.
Technical Implementation
Sidewalk-enabled PIR sensors use:
- Silicon Labs EFR32 or similar Sidewalk-compatible radio
- Ultra-low power PIR element (e.g., Panasonic EKMB or Excelitas PYD 2597)
- Simple application layer: motion event → Sidewalk message → cloud → user alert
Privacy and Security
Amazon emphasizes that Sidewalk uses multiple layers of encryption and that sensor data is not shared with neighbors. The network only carries device data, not personal information. Users can opt out of Sidewalk entirely in Alexa settings.
Coverage Map
Amazon reports that Sidewalk now covers approximately 90% of US residential addresses, with continued expansion in Europe and Asia. The company has deployed over 100 million Sidewalk bridges (Echo and Ring devices) to date.
Industry Reaction
“Sidewalk solves the connectivity problem for outdoor sensors,” said an industry analyst. “Wi-Fi often doesn’t reach the perimeter of a property. With Sidewalk, you can place motion sensors anywhere within range of a neighbor’s bridge, effectively creating a community-wide security network.”
Future Roadmap
Amazon hints at future Sidewalk features for PIR sensors:
- Mesh networking for sensors to relay data through each other
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Integration with third-party security monitoring services
- Lower power modes for even longer battery life
Availability
Sidewalk-enabled PIR sensors are available for pre-order now, with shipments beginning in April 2026. The developer kit is available immediately for qualified manufacturers.