Random Tech Bits

Yesterday, I mentioned Olympus Mons, and how it currently holds the title of the biggest planetary volcano in the Solar System. It looks like that may now have a rival...on Earth (in terms of area, not height). From the article:

"Tamu Massif is a rounded dome that measures about 280 by 400 miles (450 by 650 kilometers), or more than 100,000 square miles. Its top lies about 6,500 feet (about 2,000 meters) below the ocean surface, while the base extends down to about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) deep."

Here's a brief story about a robot in space. Apparently it has a few interesting abilities. From the article:

"Kirobo will be able to recognise [Wakata's] facial features and is designed to communicate in Japanese and take photos."

Not much longer until someone comes up with HAL-9000, I suppose. I wonder when they'll start working on autonomous mining machines?

In other news, Tesla Motors' CEO is planning on driving cross-country with his family in a Tesla Model S, which is an all electric vehicle. The goal is to only charge for about nine hours total and travel 3,200 miles. Should be interesting.

Finally, in about a week and a half, I'll have a major update on the Fractal e-book and some plot updates for Ionotatron.

Have a good weekend.