Review: Mercator Ikuü Motion Sensor – Tuya-Powered and Aussie Retail Friendly

The Mercator Ikuü Motion Sensor is a solid, budget-friendly smart sensor that taps into the vast Tuya ecosystem while still offering Zigbee compatibility with third-party hubs. Although Mercator Ikuü doesn’t offer a traditional hub, they do have their own Zigbee bridge – (what’s the difference between a hub and a bridge? Read my breakdown here).

For smart home beginners and DIYers in Australia, this motion sensor is one of the easiest and most accessible options available at major retailers.

Positives: What Works Well

  • Long Battery Life: Powered by 2x AA batteries, the sensor can last over 6 months in typical usage.
  • Wide Zigbee Compatibility: Works with most Zigbee hubs, including Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT), SmartThings, and Alexa Zigbee hubs—no need to stick to the Ikuü Zigbee bridge.
  • Tuya-Compatible Apps: Can be used with the Mercator Ikuü app (a rebranded Tuya white-label app), as well as the standard Tuya Smart or Smart Life apps.
  • Easy Local Availability: Readily available in Australian hardware stores like Bunnings, making it a good off-the-shelf option.

Negatives: Where It Falls Short

  • No IP Rating: Not weatherproof, so not suitable for outdoor use or damp environments.
  • No Lux Sensor: It can’t measure light levels, which limits more advanced automation (like turning on lights only when it’s dark).
  • Limited Mounting Flexibility: The design isn’t compact and doesn’t support angled placement easily. Adjusting motion sensitivity is manual via a dial, which isn’t as user-friendly as in-app options.
  • No Native HomeKit Support: You’ll need a HomeKit-compatible Zigbee hub (like Aqara, Hue, or Homebridge) for Apple HomeKit support.

Tuya Ecosystem Thoughts

Because this device is part of the Tuya ecosystem, it benefits from a massive library of compatible devices-including other white-label products from brands like Grid Connect (sold at Bunnings). Tuya’s broad hardware support and flexibility can be a huge plus if you’re looking to build an affordable, mixed-brand setup.

However, Tuya’s Chinese origin and cloud-first model have raised some concerns around privacy, security, and long-term reliability. That said, Mercator is a reputable Australian brand, which adds a layer of trust for local users.

Final Thoughts

The Mercator Ikuü Motion Sensor is a great entry-level device for anyone already using Tuya-powered products or looking for something compatible with Zigbee-based automation platforms like Home Assistant.

It’s:

  • Easy to install
  • Widely compatible
  • Affordable and accessible in Australia

But if you’re seeking more advanced features like lux sensing, compact design, or IP-rated hardware, alternatives like the Aqara P1 or IKEA VALLHORN might suit your needs better.

Common FAQs

Can I control lights without a hub?

No. You’ll need a Zigbee hub or bridge to link the motion sensor to smart lighting or scenes.

Do I need the Mercator Ikuü Zigbee bridge?

No. It works with any Zigbee hub, including SmartThings, Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT), and Alexa Zigbee hubs.

Does it work with Home Assistant?

Yes. The sensor works well with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M), allowing you to use it for local, fast automations.

Can I use it with Apple HomeKit?

Yes, but only through a HomeKit-compatible Zigbee hub—for example Homebridge with Zigbee plugin. It’s not natively supported.