Will robots ever deserve rights?

[Veracity]

Jay520 said:

Veracity said:

I think, therefore I am. This applies to animals as well. There is an intimate relationship between consciousness and mind. One does not exist without the other.

Sure, you know you have consciousness. But how do you know other humans and animals have consciousness? What proof do you have of this that cannot also be applied to a robot?

Because every human, when presented with the question of "do you exist" responds in the same affirmative manner. An extension to animals would be their ability to avoid predators realizing "they" are and need to avoid threats. 

It is a byproduct of a brain. Trees are not conscious at the macro level.