IKEA has launched the Ankarlägg, a new battery-operated, motion-sensitive light designed to adhere to virtually any surface. Shaped somewhat like a cartoon light bulb, the Ankarlägg is completely wireless and self-adhesive, positioning it as a highly adaptable lighting solution within the company’s expanding smart home collection.
The Ankarlägg is explicitly built for ease of use. It can provide illumination in hallways upon entry, in bedrooms as night lights or within cupboards. To preserve power, the light automatically deactivates if no movement is detected for 30 seconds.
IKEA estimates the battery life to be approximately six months, based on ten triggers per day, and the device operates without the need for a smart hub. It takes three AAA batteries, which are simple to replace when necessary.
The Ankarlägg is priced at €2.99 in Europe, with global pricing anticipated to be around £4 / $7 / AU$5 upon international release – that’s considerably cheaper than a typical smart bulb and motion sensor combined, which can cost several times more.
According to information from IKEA’s French website, the lamp’s battery operation and adhesive backing mean you can install it pretty much anywhere – handy if you don’t have wiring available in tricky spots for the best smart lights.
This is yet another foray into smart lighting for IKEA, following the Bilresa remote control kit, the Timmerflotte temperature sensor, and the Myggspray wireless motion sensor.
While many of these devices depend on a Thread hub, such as IKEA’s Dirigera, the Ankarlägg functions independently, offering a straightforward, low-cost option for those who fancy smart functionality without the need for additional bits and bobs.
