Motorised Awnings & Outdoor Blinds in Australia: Motors, Sensors and Smart Home Guide
Quick answer: Most external awnings and outdoor blinds sold in Australia today can be motorised, using tubular motors from brands such as Somfy RTS and Alpha RTS. Motorisation replaces cranks, ropes and poles with a remote, wall switch or smartphone app, and enables automation: wind sensors that retract a folding arm awning before it is damaged, sun sensors that extend it on hot afternoons, and timers. Motorisation is strongly recommended for folding arm awnings over 4 metres wide, second-storey installations, and any track-guided blind that is raised and lowered daily.
Which awnings and blinds can be motorised?
| Product | Motorisation | Typical control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding arm awnings | Standard on premium models, optional on all | Remote + wind sensor | Full-cassette models such as the Aluxor Stratos III are motorised as standard and smart-home ready |
| Track-guided blinds (Ziptrak®-style, SRS) | Optional | Remote or wall switch | Alpha RTS or Somfy RTS motors; spring-balanced manual operation is also excellent |
| Straight drop and cable guide blinds | Optional | Remote | Motor replaces gearbox crank or rope and pulley |
| Pivot arm and auto awnings | Optional | Remote or hardwired switch | The classic answer for high or hard-to-reach windows |
| Fixed awnings (Dutch hood, canopy) | Not applicable | — | Fixed structures do not retract |
Somfy vs Alpha motors: what is the difference?
Both are proven tubular motor systems widely used in Australia. Somfy is the global market leader with the broadest smart-home ecosystem (TaHoma, and RTS remotes shared across products). Alpha RTS is a strong-value alternative popular with Australian fabricators, sharing the same radio-remote convenience. Both support multi-channel remotes (control several blinds individually or as a group), wall switches and sensor automation. We fit either across our range.
What do wind and sun sensors do?
A wind sensor measures gusts at the awning and automatically retracts it above a set threshold — the single best protection for a folding arm awning, since wind damage is the most common failure cause. A sun sensor extends the awning when sunshine exceeds a threshold, keeping the house cool even when you are out. Timers add scheduled open and close. Sensors pair with the motor, no wiring back to a controller required on RTS systems.
Can I connect my awning to my smart home?
Yes. Motorised awnings with compatible motors integrate with smart home platforms via the motor brand’s hub (for example Somfy TaHoma), allowing app control, scenes and voice assistants. In our range the Aluxor Stratos III is designed for smart home integration out of the box; most other motorised models can be integrated via the hub.
Is motorisation worth the cost?
For large awnings, yes without hesitation: an awning that is easy to retract gets retracted, and that habit — more than any hardware choice — determines how long the fabric and arms last. For daily-use track-guided blinds, motorisation is a comfort upgrade; the spring-balanced manual operation of Ziptrak-style systems is already one-handed. Use the calculator on each product page to compare the manual and motorised price for your exact size.
Frequently asked questions
Does a motorised awning need an electrician?
Hardwired motors do. Plug-in leads are possible where a weatherproof outdoor outlet is nearby. Battery and solar options exist for positions with no power access — ask before ordering.
What happens in a blackout?
Most tubular motors hold position in a power outage. Some models offer manual override; otherwise the awning simply stays where it was until power returns.
Can I motorise my existing awning later?
Often yes — many manual gearbox awnings can be retrofitted with a tubular motor, and a recover visit is a natural time to do it. It is cheaper, however, to order motorised up front.
Last reviewed July 2026. All products custom made on the NSW Central Coast and shipped Australia-wide.