The Centre for Perceptive and Intelligent Machines in complex Environment (PIMCE) was a collaborative effort between Curtin University, University of Melbourne, Monash University and the National Australian University. PIMCE performed fundamental research into and constructs reliable large-scale systems of networked sensors, computational intelligence, mobile robots and knowledge sources to support a large variety of critical human tasks including surveillance and security, health care support and civil disaster support. Example applications included Smart Homes, Health condition monitoring, border and airport security as well as fighting bush fires. The advances of PIMCE have enabled strong human - machine cooperative ventures which neither humans nor machines could accomplish independently. Funding ceased December 2007, however, the projects conducted during the period of PIMCE's operation continue to be developed by the respective partners.