A computer peripheral system including a mobile vehicle, a two-way wireless link to a host computer and software residing on the host computer for providing control and guidance is disclosed. The system is installed on an existing host computer as an add-on peripheral device whose function is to perform some automatic task (e.g. floor cleaning) in a working environment (e.g. a home or business). The mobile vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors, data from which is conveyed to the host system over the wireless link. Software on the host computer communicates control and movement commands to the mobile system. A method and apparatus for sensing the position of the mobile vehicle in a working environment is also disclosed. Software installed on the host computer can use data from the sensing apparatus to automatically construct and maintain a map of the operating environment and to guide the mobile vehicle through the environment in order to carry out its task. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing entertainment for onlookers as the vehicle carries out its task.