I have to disagree with you there. I think judging the size of the leg in proportion to the rest of the ostrich's body is deceptive. Dense, muscular legs, but a relatively small body that just looks big with all its feathers and wings.
The backwards knee design is much more stable, seeing at the weight would be centered over the feet
And yet the largest quadrupeds, like hippos and elephants, have legs very much like ours, and they do quite well. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll0c9-KMfqA
Still think big feet and backwards knees are the way to go? I've seen elephants walk on their hind legs, and they seem to do surprisingly well.
I have been interested in building a walking robot. Perhaps I just played Mechwarrior a little too much, but i see that others share my interest.
I am in school to become an electrical engineer, so the electronics of the legs are rather simple to me.
But to come to my question, does anyone understand to physics of walking? or know of a good walking robot kit, that I could purchase.
Thanks