Established in Redmond, Washington, Nuiku is a robust, data driven platform and cloud based application programme interface (API) that enables seamless natural language processing (NLP) across applications and devices. Nuiku's patented integration engine connects voice commands with back-end user information to analyse commands and perform actions based on requests. The smart technology adapts to user behaviour, prompting, reminding and suggesting actions to them based on frequency of use and historical actions. Nuiku was founded by Sean Thomson and Bill Baker in 2012.

"Nuiku is a leader in natural language processing and a terrific addition to our home automation capabilities," said President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Clarke. "The acquisition of the Nuiku technology adds key software capabilities to our portfolio of technology solutions, as well as seasoned engineers that are aligned with our focus of driving innovation across our businesses. We believe this acquisition will result in new, innovative combinations of our products that advance our position in the markets we serve."

In conjunction with the acquisition of Nuiku, Nortek has launched a technology incubation team, responsible for bringing together engineering activities from across Nortek to qualify and develop value-added customer solutions. The team will closely monitor trends in the marketplace, seeking opportunities to acquire or internally develop emerging technologies that can be adopted rapidly and deployed efficiently across multiple of Nortek's businesses. The incubation team will initially focus on two key growth areas including the connected home and personal safety, and leverage technology from recent investments, including Nuiku and MIOS.

"The establishment of the Nortek technology incubation team is reflective of our commitment to supporting innovation as a strategic growth driver across our business," added Clarke. "Our first projects will focus on technologies for the connected home and personal safety markets, and we're excited about the opportunity to leverage our brands including 2Gig, Nutone, Elan as well as our channel relationships that serve security dealers, AV installers, electricians, HVAC contractors and homebuilders. Longer-term, we expect the incubator to qualify, test and bring to market specific product innovations on behalf of all Nortek businesses."