A mobile robot remotely controlled and/or powered through a cable from a stationary console is provided. The robot carries a cable management arrangement which stores the cable and dispenses and retracts it as needed. The arrangement lays down the cable under zero tension when the robot is outbound and reels it in as the robot returns to allow the robot to follow a tortuous path without entangling the cable under or around obstacles. The robot can have numerous configurations such as a simple configuration for use as a transporter for mail in an office and parts in a factory, to a complex configuration with robotic arms and sensors for use in remote surveillance and security work. The robot is especially usable in hostile environments such as nuclear power plants and has a containment box permitting it to be moved to numerous locations without contaminating other areas.