Yes the Laptop rides on the robot - the laptop is connected to the Vex through The USB/Serial connector. Some Semi-Autonomous code runs on the VEX - i.e. obstacle avoidance (Bumper, sonar). The Laptop is hosting a wifi connected webs server or other interface. You use a browser to connect and then control the robot via the web. (If you run Skype you can use the platform as an avatar.

My current platform is designed to be able to move a laptop and a small sweeper inside a typical home.

Thanks for your reply.