Please try reading #370 (the post you are referring to). Intelligence is the observable behavior of solving problems. Intelligence can be crudely quantified by the relative complexity of problems solved.
Consciousness is inferred. There is no standard for inferring consciousness, even in living humans. (As a Special Ed major I've met quite a few humans who showed absolutely none of the behavior we use to infer conscious -- eye contact, voluntary movement, etc.)
We already have rudimentary artifical intelligence. We have computer systems that manage the power grid and evolve their own solutions to the distribution of electric power. They do not simply follow preprogrammed if...then...else logic. They create new algorithms for achieving goals.
You do not have to accept this, but you will be increasingly crushed by a future in which computers magnify our problem solving abilities. But none of these machines are likely to be considered conscious. Not in the near future.
And rudimentary artificial intelligence from?
Mindlessness? – No
Conscious intelligence? – Yes
And even if you believe “Conciousness is inferred”, is it inferred by?:
Mindlessness?
Conscious intelligence?
To confuse noumenon with phenomenon is to look through a telescope from the wrong end.
That being said, I truly applaud your work in helping the less fortunate. I say this with true respect and experience.