I believe that if we are to create a true conscious AI we will need to use a Quantum CPU. It will need to be a medium that can support Orch OR. There are many paths to that, and Google is already working with DWave in their AI lab:
Google and NASA’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMdHDHEuOUE
Scientists develop atomic-scale hardware to implement natural computing
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-scientists-atomic-scale-hardware-natural.html
Nanowires exhibit interesting quantum phenomena, so I think it will be possible, and the above article demonstrates that.
“Quantum Water” Discovered in Carbon Nanotubes
A new quantum state of water found in carbon nanotubes at room temperature could have important implications for life
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/422551/quantum-water-discovered-in-carbon-nanotubes/
Carbon nanotube fibers make superior links to brain
http://news.rice.edu/2015/03/25/carbon-nanotube-fibers-make-superior-links-to-brain-2/
Quantum Criticality in life’s proteins (Update)
Source: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-quantum-criticality-life-proteins.html
Discovery of quantum vibrations in ‘microtubules’ inside brain neurons supports controversial theory of consciousness
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140116085105.htm
Anesthesia Points to Deeper Level ‘Quantum Channels’ as Origins of Consciousness
Source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/anesthesia-points-to-deeper-level-quantum-channels-as-brain-sites-for-consciousness
And Ray Kurzweil has said the same thing. That if Orch OR turns out to be true, Quantum Computers are coming, so it should not be a hindrance to creating a Conscious AI.
The ramifications if this is true are more interesting to me from a humanist perspective. Essentially, Animism, Shintoism, Jainism, Wicca, and some sects of Buddhism, are closer to reality and fit the universe more as far as world religions are concerned.
How will the world react?