DIY Staircase Lighting with mmWave Radar and ESP32

Published  March 10, 2025   0
Staircase Lighting

A youtuber has developed a lighting system for staircases using the ESP32 module, the RD D03E mmWave radar sensor, and the WS2812 RGB LED strip. The system dynamically illuminates stairs based on a person’s movement, enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency.

The RD D03E mmWave sensor detects motion and distance, allowing precise control of the lighting system. The ESP32 processes sensor data and sends signals to the WS2812 RGB LED strip, which changes brightness and color dynamically. Additionally, gesture recognition is integrated, enabling users to switch colors or turn the system on and off with simple hand movements.



A relay module is also connected to the ESP32’s GPIO 13, providing the ability to control external devices like additional lighting or security systems using gesture commands. The WS2812 LED strip is powered by a 12V power supply, with data signals sent from ESP32 GPIO 2.

The system responds quickly to motion, with minimal false triggers due to the stability of the mmWave sensor. Gesture control ensures a touch-free user experience, and the lighting effect can be customized by adjusting step size, distance thresholds, and LED sequences in the code. Since this is an open-source project, hobbyists and inventors can explore and modify it for custom applications. You can also refer to similar gesture detection projects on our site for additional ideas.