In today's period, I presented gave my midterm presentations. From the feedback I received, I learned that I could use brushless motors to power legs. By adding a 3D printed gearbox, the motors would have the same amount of torque as the stepper motors while also being much lighter. Other suggestions for my project included that I should add other limbs to increase the balance of the robot (such as tails, heads etc.) and that joints such as shoulders and knees should be able to move in other directions than forwards and backwards. This would increase the mobility of the robot and its capabilities to go over uneven terrain. 

From the feedback I received, I concluded that I should first attempt to use stepper motors to power my legs. For the moment, I would rely on the Arduino and motor shield setup, as it is the most accessible and I am most acquainted with it.

Next class, I plan on testing out the viability of my design and of the arduino and motor shield setup. I will then use the results to determine where to go next.