I think the big mistake in such ponderings of this, assuming AI's consciousness is even possible, is that it will somehow have a human quality. Devoid of emotion, this will be the most existential consciousness ever to percieve in known history. Emotion is one of the most basic building blocks of living organisms, at least. Candace Pert said there are opiate recepters in single celled life. This implies, say, an amoeba feels pain. Fascinating stuff, really. And yes, I am assuming life and consciousness is related, a debate that will no doubt happen after such a frankeinstien is made.