Project Overview

IKEA has launched the VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor in the US; the gadget is also available in the UK and EU. You can use the device to check the temperature, humidity or presence of fine particles in your home. Plus, you can control the sensor via an app and link it to other smart home products.

Organisation

IKEA

Team

N/A

Project Brief

The IKEA VINDSTYRKA is now available in the US, launching in the UK and EU earlier this year. The smart air quality sensor can measure the temperature, humidity, PM2.5 level and the relative level of total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOC) found in your room. For context, volatile organic compounds can be found in the home from cooking, fireplaces, paint, cleaning products and aerosols.

Project Innovation/Need

A built-in display shows these data points, with a color-coded system to indicate whether the air quality is good, bad or ok. Using the IKEA DIRIGERA hub, you can also view this information in the IKEA Home smart app. It is worth noting that the gadget is not compatible with the company’s other smart home hub, TRADFRI. You can also link the VINDSTYRKA to other smart devices, such as the STARKVIND air purifier, which you can turn on when the air quality is poor.

Design Challenge

The compact gadget has a white plastic outer casing, measuring 2 x 2.25 x 3.5-in (~51 x 57 x 89 mm). The device is powered via USB-C; while the air quality sensor comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, you must supply a USB charging plug.

Sustainability

The most harmful pollutants, particulate matter (PM2.5*), can’t be seen with the naked eye. VINDSTYRKA features a display that shows PM2.5 levels, humidity, temperature, and TVOC**. VINDSTYRKA can either be connected to DIRIGERA, hub for smart products, or the STARKVIND air purifier. When connected to DIRIGERA, the sensor makes indoor air quality levels readable in the IKEA Home smart app. VINDSTYRKA can be used on its own and enhance the capabilities of the existing smart air purifier STARKVIND. Connecting VINDSTYRKA to STARKVIND enables the fan speed to be automatically adjusted in correlation with the amount of PM2.5 in the air, ensuring the air in the home is always as clean as possible.

“We want to work for positive change and know that there is no single solution to solve indoor air pollution. We strive to offer a variety of products and smart solutions that increase awareness of indoor air pollution and allow people to make the right changes for a home with cleaner air”, says Henrik Telander.