Can anyone recommend hardware to open/close curtains that’s available in the UK?
Ideally it would be something that can integrate with my existing curtain poles and eyelet holes.
I’ve looked at Aqara and Zemismart which are available here, but I haven’t found much information on reliability. Also they’re both sold as tracks rather than addons to already installed curtains. Is that the only way?
I’d also be interested in roller blind controllers.
I use both the IKEA PRAKTLYSING blinds and the Aqara E1 drivers for my existing blinds.
Both are working well for me.
Hello!
I’ve got the Aqara Curtain Drivers E1 and Roller shade drivers E1 and a pair of Switchbot Curtain Smart Opener (2022)
The curtain drivers work in a similar way, and because of the switchbot requiring bluetooth that your mileage may vary depending on how far your home assistant bluetooth is away from them (or repeater) or you get one of their hubs to do that task.
I really like the solar panels you can attach to the switchbot that haven’t required even in the UK charging after the initial setup.
The Aqara ones do require a hub.
Hope that helps!
Alex
for curtains i use switchbot, they work fine via the cloud, via local bluetooth it is not always working correctly, but that is due to Bluetooth reception (pi is a bit too far away)
I’ve ordered a switchbot and I’ll see how it goes. I might try the Aqara as well when I fit blinds.
Hi,
Just to add for me to control the Aqara curtains and blinds I have a homebridge integration to have the devices controllable in home assistant through the Aqara smart hub E1 and I’m still controlling the switchbot curtains through bluetooth (haven’t got a hub to test)
Alex
Good info, and just to add that I’ve integrated my Aqara E1 & IKEA devices using Z2M (without Aqara or IKEA hubs).
Tried out the switchbot just now. Pretty easy setup and works great! Very impressive. I am surprised the motor works so well with no slipping. The only downside is the beads for grommet/eyelet curtains stick up over the top and spoil the curtains a bit. I think this could be replaced with a custom solution round the back though.
Glad it works well! 
For me after installation I forgot I installed the clips and hardly notice them unless I look particularly for them