Will the NPCs be physically present in the game world, or just in 'in the background'/behind the scenes and just be there on menus and stat screens and such.
If they are present in the game world, will they be mobile in any way and be able to do tasks, or just be stationary?
Will it be possible to interact with them, give them orders, etc?
I like the idea of having NPCs around the player's base, since it means a little more effort being needed for growing crops, keeping O2 levels up, plenty of water stocked, etc.
Is there anything new for 'mine equipment', or is it basically the same stuff as is in MC:C now?
Edit:
Oh, will there be anything like aeroponics or hydroponics possible? Be it from the start, or as an upgrade/expansion to basic farming systems later on? Perhaps a combination hydroponics/aquaponics could be done, to grow plants on/in the same tanks as fish and other aquatic critters are raised in?