March 28, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Amazon Opens Sidewalk to Third-Party Sensor Makers
Amazon has announced that third-party manufacturers can now integrate their PIR motion sensors with the Sidewalk network, a low-bandwidth, long-range wireless network that uses a portion of customers’ internet bandwidth to provide connectivity for IoT devices.
The Sidewalk Developer Program, launched today, provides hardware reference designs, SDKs, and certification tools for manufacturers to create Sidewalk-compatible PIR sensors. The program aims to expand the Sidewalk ecosystem beyond Amazon’s own Ring and Echo devices.
What is Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon Sidewalk is a shared community network that uses a small portion of participating customers’ internet bandwidth to create a low-power, long-range network covering neighborhoods. It operates on 900 MHz spectrum and can reach devices hundreds of meters away, far beyond Wi-Fi range.
Sidewalk bridges include Echo devices, Ring cameras, and dedicated Sidewalk gateways. Amazon reports that Sidewalk now covers approximately 90% of US residential addresses, with over 150 million active bridges deployed.
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, at a mailbox, or around a property’s perimeter. The sensors connect via Sidewalk to a nearby bridge, eliminating Wi-Fi range limitations.
Lower Power Consumption
Sidewalk’s low-power protocol is optimized for battery-operated devices. Combined with ultra-low power PIR sensors (like Excelitas PYD 2597 or Panasonic EKMB), Sidewalk sensors can achieve 3-5 year battery life.
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 or power failures.
Simplified Setup
Sidewalk devices automatically onboard when within range of a registered Sidewalk gateway – no complex Wi-Fi configuration, no app pairing, no QR codes to scan. Amazon claims setup time under 60 seconds.
Technical Specifications for Sidewalk PIR Sensors
Amazon’s reference design specifies:
- Radio: Silicon Labs EFR32 or similar Sidewalk-compatible SoC
- PIR element: Panasonic EKMB series or Excelitas PYD 2597 (ultra-low power)
- Power: 2x AA lithium batteries (5-year life) or solar with supercapacitor
- Detection range: 10-15 meters with interchangeable lenses
- Message rate: Configurable from event-based to periodic heartbeat
- Security: AES-128 encryption, device authentication, secure onboarding
Third-Party Manufacturer Announcements
Several manufacturers have already announced Sidewalk-compatible PIR sensors:
Ring Outdoor Motion Sensor Pro (Third-Party Version)
Ring’s new outdoor sensor, available to third-party integrators, 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
- Bulk pricing: $29.99 (10+ units)
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 or standalone via Sidewalk
- Optional solar charging panel ($19.99)
- Price: $34.99
Third-Party Developer Kit
Amazon is offering a Sidewalk developer kit for PIR sensor manufacturers:
- Reference design with PCB layout and BOM
- Pre-certified radio module (FCC, CE, IC)
- Sample firmware with motion detection and reporting
- Cloud integration APIs
- Certification testing suite
Use Cases
Perimeter Security
Property owners can place PIR sensors at gates, driveways, and property boundaries without running wires or relying on Wi-Fi. Alerts can trigger lights, cameras, or security system notifications.
Mailbox Monitoring
PIR sensors can detect when mail is delivered (motion at the mailbox) and send notifications via Sidewalk. This is a popular use case in rural areas where Wi-Fi doesn’t reach the mailbox.
Detached Structures
Garages, workshops, barns, and sheds can have motion sensing without running Ethernet or Wi-Fi extenders. Alerts can trigger lights or send notifications when someone enters.
Vacation Properties
Second homes can be monitored for intrusion without maintaining a local internet connection. Sensors use Sidewalk coverage from neighboring properties.
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.
Third-party sensor data is encrypted end-to-end; Amazon does not have access to unencrypted sensor data unless the manufacturer chooses to share it.
Pricing and Availability
Sidewalk-enabled PIR sensors are available for pre-order now, with shipments beginning in June 2026. The developer kit is available immediately for qualified manufacturers. Amazon is not charging certification fees for Sidewalk-compatible devices through 2027.
Conclusion
Amazon’s expansion of Sidewalk to third-party PIR sensors represents a significant development in wireless sensing. By leveraging the existing Sidewalk network, manufacturers can offer long-range, low-power motion detection without the complexity of cellular or the limitations of Wi-Fi.