Smart Office Sensors Guide: 
Smarter Workspaces
with Milesight 

What Are Office Sensors and Why Do They Matter?

The average office worker spends 90,000 hours of their lifetime at work, yet most workplaces still operate on decades-old assumptions about lighting, temperature, and space usage. Smart office sensors are changing that equation entirely.

IoT sensors monitor physical conditions such as occupancy, temperature, humidity, CO₂, light levels, and sound, enabling real-time automation and data-driven facility management in smart buildings. The result? Lower energy use, healthier air quality, better space utilization, and improved employee comfort. In today’s hybrid-work era and under growing sustainability mandates, these insights are no longer “nice to have” but essential for future-ready workplaces.

ToF (Time of Flight) Sensors

ToF sensors measure distance by calculating the time it takes for a light signal to reflect off a surface. They are ideal for accurately detecting presence in meeting rooms, cubicles, and shared spaces without compromising privacy.

Milesight VS121 AI Workplace Occupancy Sensor, featuring up to 95% accuracy, supports multi-zone occupancy detection and is suitable for most settings in offices. Its on-board AI processes occupancy data and presents it in context, enabling workplace operators to analyze patterns and derive actionable insights—all while preserving user privacy.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors detect presence or motion to help optimize space usage, lighting control, HVAC control, cleaning schedules, and real-estate decisions.

Occupancy sensors vs. motion sensors: A motion sensor/detector primarily detects movement, while occupancy sensors can assess sustained presence using advanced technologies, such as highly sensitive Passive Infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, Time-of-Flight (ToF), radar, AI and dual-technology methods.

PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensors

PIR devices sense tiny changes in infrared energy (heat) when someone moves in their field of view. They’re inexpensive, preserve privacy, and excel at simple on/off or occupied/vacant detection, which are perfect for automating lighting or logging individual work-zone usage.

Wall-Mounted vs. Desk-Mounted Sensors

Typically wall-mounted, a PIR sensor provides wide-angle coverage for open office areas. Desk-mounted devices focus narrowly on a single workstation and should be positioned to avoid obstruction from partitions or large furniture.

Occupancy vs. Vacancy Sensors

• Occupancy sensors automatically turn devices on when they detect presence and off after vacancy.
• Vacancy sensors require the user to switch devices on, but will turn them off automatically when the zone is empty.

Milesight VS34x Desk & Seat Occupancy Sensor comes in two variants: VS340 (PIR) and VS341 (PIR + Thermopile), achieving up to 98% accuracy depending on environmental conditions. They are optimized for workstation and desk-level monitoring.

Milesight VS330 Bathroom Occupancy Sensor combines PIR and ToF technologies to provide up to 99.5% accuracy in enclosed, often high-traffic restrooms.

Radar Sensors

Radar-based occupancy sensors use electromagnetic waves to detect even subtle movements such as breathing. Microwave sensors use similar technology and are effective in large or challenging environments for detecting motion. Some occupancy sensors use high-frequency sound waves, such as ultrasonic sensors, to detect presence by emitting and measuring the return of these waves.

Dual-technology sensors combine radar or microwave sensing with other sensors like PIR for enhanced accuracy, though they are generally more expensive due to their advanced capabilities. Other sensors, such as optical or ultrasonic sensors, can complement radar and microwave sensors for comprehensive occupancy detection.

Milesight VS370 Radar Human Presence Sensor combines millimeter-wave radar with PIR for instant occupancy detection and precise control. Designed primarily for meeting rooms of all sizes, it delivers up to 99% accuracy and operates reliably in both light and dark conditions.

Environmental Sensors

Environmental sensors provide insights into the ambient conditions of a workplace, helping ensure comfort, safety, and compliance with indoor environmental quality standards.

Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity is essential for comfort and equipment longevity. Temperature and humidity sensors provide real-time monitoring and can trigger HVAC adjustments and reduce conditions that promote mold or dust mites.

For indoor TH control applications, Milesight offers two key product lines that work well together:

• Milesight AM Series: Ideal for offices, meeting rooms, and shared spaces, these sensors deliver precise temperature and humidity readings and wirelessly transmit data for monitoring.
• Milesight WT Series: The smart thermostat lineup uses real-time TH data to smartly manage heating and cooling. They support device-to-device (D2D) LoRa communication, enabling fast, localized automation without a central server.

Indoor Air Quality Sensors

Indoor air quality sensors measure CO₂ levels, TVOCs, PM2.5, and other pollutants to optimize HVAC performance, especially in enclosed or high-density areas.

Milesight Indoor Air Quality Sensors detect a wide range of parameters, including CO₂ concentration, temperature, humidity, TVOC, PM2.5, PM10, and formaldehyde (HCHO), light, barometric pressure, and motion, depending on the model. With optional displays, local or cloud-based dashboards, and a customizable design, they not only blend into any workspace but also carry the "Works with WELL" mark for buildings pursuing WELL Certification.

Noise sensors

Noise sensors help maintain a comfortable and productive acoustic environment by monitoring sound levels in real time. High noise levels can negatively affect concentration, communication, and overall well-being, especially in open-plan offices, meeting areas, and collaborative zones.

Milesight WS302 is a LoRaWAN®-based sound level sensor from the CoWork Series that provides accurate sound monitoring with visual LED alerts for noise threshold exceedance. It helps organizations create quieter, healthier workspaces. The data can also be used to support wellness initiatives and compliance with acoustic standards.

Smart Control Sensors

Light sensors help adjust artificial lighting based on ambient levels, while sound sensors monitor noise levels to support acoustic comfort and noise management strategies.

Milesight Cowork Series includes multiple smart control options:

• Smart Light Controllers automatically adjust lighting based on ambient light levels and occupancy, helping to conserve energy while maintaining visual comfort. 
• Smart Switches and Buttons allow for seamless manual or automated control of office appliances, lighting, and other systems, supporting flexible interaction and smart scene settings.
• Light sensor enables precise lighting adjustments by measuring ambient brightness and detecting occupancy. These sensors help maintain optimal illumination levels, reduce eye strain, and support energy efficiency in various office areas.

 

These devices are easy to install and integrate, contributing to a fully connected and responsive smart office ecosystem. Smart office sensors combine lighting, sound, and other controls to create an efficient and adaptive workspace.

People Counting Sensors

People counting sensors play a key role in space utilization across modern offices, from entryways to phone booths. As a type of space utilization sensor, they help track foot traffic, occupancy trends, and visitor flow to support data-driven space management decisions.

Milesight's people counting and visitor counting sensors offer:

• Real-Time Occupancy Data:
  Accurately monitor people entering or exiting areas like lobbies, conference rooms, and break rooms—enabling HVAC adjustments and smarter cleaning schedules.
• Advanced Analytics:
  Beyond headcounts, sensors support directional counting, regional heat maps, and behavioral insights for optimizing workspace layouts.
• Diverse Deployment Options:
  Strategically placed in entryways, hallways, or specific office zones such as phone booths or collaborative spaces.
• Privacy Protection:
  Our people sensing solutions utilize encrypted, AI-powered RGB sensors and non-imaging technologies such as ToF and PIR. Both methods ensure privacy through robust data security measures and full GDPR compliance, making them ideal for workplace environments.
• Support for Visitor Counting:
  Visitor counting is especially useful in reception areas and open zones where tracking traffic trends can help plan staffing and enhance guest experience.

 

By enabling in-depth people sensing, Milesight empowers modern offices to transform raw sensor data into actionable intelligence. This supports goals in sustainability, safety, operational efficiency, and employee comfort.

Door/Window Contact Switches

Door and window contact switches enhance office security by detecting opening and closing events. These sensors are commonly used on entry points such as doors, windows, and cabinets to monitor access, trigger alerts, or activate automation scenes. They play a key role in protecting sensitive areas and ensuring that restricted zones remain secure, especially during off-hours.

Milesight WS301 Magnetic Contact Switch provides reliable, wire-free security monitoring for office doors and windows. It instantly detects unauthorized entry by sensing changes in the contact state, and includes built-in tamper detection to alert administrators of any dismounting attempts. With effortless installation and LoRaWAN® connectivity, WS301 offers a robust, low-maintenance solution for enhancing workspace safety and intrusion prevention.

Key Use Cases of Office Sensors in Modern Workspaces

Energy Optimization with Lighting and HVAC Control

IoT sensors dramatically cut energy consumption in offices by enabling occupancy-based control of lighting, HVAC, and other systems, ensuring resources are only used when spaces are occupied. Office sensors also provide real-time data and analytics for precise adjustments and predictive maintenance. It makes easy retrofitting into existing buildings possible, offering immediate energy savings without extensive overhauls.

Milesight's smart lighting solution helped a Dubai office cut lighting energy use by 25% using WS558 controllers and occupancy-based schedules, demonstrating the real-world impact of intelligent energy optimization.

Space Planning & Utilization (Meeting Room / Desk Booking)

Space utilization sensors provide detailed data on how office spaces are used, tracking meeting room occupancy, desk usage, and overall traffic flow. These insights enable automatic release of unused spaces and easier booking processes. Long-term occupancy data helps facility managers understand space usage patterns, reconfigure underutilized areas, optimize office layouts, and support better planning of shared resources. Such data-driven planning is increasingly vital in hybrid work environments where flexibility and efficiency are key.

For instance, Milesight helped Monolitic optimize space planning at its Barcelona office by deploying the CoWork and People Sensing Series devices, enabling smarter desk and meeting room management through real-time occupancy and people counting data.

Predictive Maintenance

Office sensors monitor equipment usage, environmental conditions, and anomalies to detect early signs of wear or malfunction. By analyzing trends like temperature spikes, unusual vibrations, or irregular usage patterns, facility teams can perform proactive maintenance to reduce downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and lower repair costs.

Milesight’s multi-sensor solutions integrate seamlessly into smart buildings operations. For examaple, the WS303 Leak Detection Sensor was used in Monolitic's server room to provide real-time water leak alerts, enabling timely intervention and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Smart Restroom Management

IoT sensors detect cubicle availability to help users find vacant stalls quickly. The usage data also helps facilities identify high-traffic zones and optimize cleaning schedules accordingly. Milesight provides fill level sensors to monitor levels of toilet paper, hand towels, and trash bins to prevent stockouts and overflow. Besides, odor sensors also help maintain a pleasant and hygienic environment through automated ventilation.

For instance, Milesight deployed people counters and odor sensors across 15 buildings' restrooms in Singapore, enabling data-driven cleaning and ventilation schedules that improved hygiene and user satisfaction.

Occupant Well-being & Compliance

Environmental sensors enable continuous monitoring of air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and noise levels, creating healthier, more comfortable workspaces. These finegrained environmental data not only help promote employee well-being but also support compliance with indoor environmental standards and certifications such as Works with WELL.

Milesight's smart green HQ in Xiamen uses over 350 sensors to improve indoor conditions, saving around $45,000 annually through enhanced efficiency and sustianability.

Security & Access Monitoring

IoT sensors detect motion or presence, door and window openings, tailgating, etc., during non-working hours or in restricted zones to alert personnel about unauthorized access. They can also integrate with access control systems for real-time incident response.

Milesight’s WS301 contact switch in Monolitic's server room monitors door status in real time, providing intrusion alerts to enhance access security.

Why Choose Milesight Office Sensors

Integration with Building Management Systems

Milesight office sensors seamlessly integrate with building management systems (BMS), cloud platforms, and third-party applications. Supporting protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and MQTT, they enable seamless data flow for real-time visualization, analytics, and automation.

For example, we support effortless integration with the Niagara BMS platform via the MQTT protocol, enabling plug-and-play device addition, bulk device management, and automatic data reading.

Multi-Sensor Integration in One Device

To reduce hardware costs and installation complexity, Milesight offers devices that combine multiple sensing capabilities into a single compact unit. For example, one sensor can include CO₂, temperature, humidity, PIR motion, and light level sensing—streamlining deployment while maximizing insights.

Wireless & Flexible Solutions

Milesight leverages wireless technologies like LoRaWAN® to offer flexible, scalable solutions suitable for new and retrofit buildings. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is another wireless option used in some occupancy sensors, supporting location-based services and access control solutions. Devices can be installed in minutes without major wiring changes, making them ideal for dynamic office layouts and modular environments.

Anonymous Data Collection: Privacy-First Sensing

Overall, Milesight’s privacy-first sensing is about enabling smart environments, such as offices, retail, and public venues, that are responsive to human presence and behavior without compromising individual privacy, thus redefining how people sensing can be both intelligent and respectful of data protection laws.

The core idea of privacy-first sensing is to gather valuable insights about space utilization without collecting any personally identifiable information (PII). Milesight employs technologies that only collect aggregated, anonymized data to support GDPR compliance and foster employee trust.

Accuracy: Reliable and Precise Detection

Accurate sensing is fundamental to effective smart office operations. Milesight sensors deliver industry-leading accuracy across various technologies—up to 99.8% for ToF sensors and 99% for radar-based presence detection. This ensures reliable data for occupancy, environmental, and people counting applications. High precision enables smarter automation, reduces false triggers, and ensures that decisions based on sensor data truly reflect real-world conditions.

Easy Installation & Sensors Development

Installing sensors is key to building an energy-efficient, intelligent office. Milesight offers various technologies—PIR, ultrasonic, and microwave sensors—each tailored to different spaces. For best results, facility managers should assess space layout and usage before installation. Proper placement—ceiling- or door-mounted—enhances accuracy. Milesight devices support easy installation with minimal wiring and wireless connectivity. Choosing the right sensor and following installation best practices unlocks energy savings, smarter analytics, and improved space management.

Ensuring Long-Term Performance

Regular maintenance—like battery checks, lens cleaning, firmware updates, and data reviews—keeps occupancy sensors accurate and reliable. It supports consistent space analytics, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. Proactive upkeep and timely upgrades help organizations maintain smart office operations and adapt to evolving technology.

Choosing the Right Office Sensors for Your Space

When selecting office sensors, consider:

• Size and layout of your workspace
• Monitoring goals (occupancy, air quality, usage, etc.)
• Integration requirements with your BMS or platform
• Power and connectivity options (battery, wired, wireless)
• Privacy concerns and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR) when selecting sensors, especially those with image or audio capture capabilities.

 

Facilities teams play a crucial role in selecting, installing, and leveraging occupancy sensor data to improve building management, energy efficiency, and workplace strategy.

Milesight offers a wide portfolio to meet diverse office needs, from small startups to enterprise campuses.