Using Capacitance for Extremely Sensitive Proximity Sensing

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://hackaday.com/2026/04/18/using-capacitance-for-extremely-sensitive-proximity-sensing/

#ESP32 #touch sensors aren't just for touching. Turns out they make a passable load sensor too! I doubt they'll work to weigh things specifically, but you would be amazed by what you can do when you know, definitively, that there is weight somewhere. And your #esp32 has about a dozen pins that can do it. (Even in #esphome, kinda.. https://techhub.social/@dis/110057503427579633 )

I'm starting with the classic bed presence load sensor, divided into my side and theirs, but including extra pads for the spots the pets sleep. (With any luck, it can share a chip with the local #BigEar #BLE node, but it might be too much for one chip.) Next up is the liquid level sensor for the #hydro tower, and maybe see if I can use a load sensor one on the #esp32cam by the pet dishes to detect empty bowls instead of just staring at them.

Sources: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/bed-occupancy-sensor-using-parts-you-have/189490
https://www.hackster.io/mircemk/arduino-liquid-level-meter-with-simple-homemade-sensor-191413
#esphome #homeassistant #presence #capacitive #gooddayforwizarding @homeassistant