Flying mini-robot cleaners win design competition The Harvard developers envisaged the tiny robots being used in rescue operations, but in Perez Zapata's design they have a "high porosity nozzle" to which water droplets can be attached using a slight vacuum. This allows them to fly around and deposit droplets on various surfaces. "This year's winning concept renews the idea of looking at the robot, seeing it not as one unit that mimics a person, but instead as something inspired by the magical logic of nature's collaborative efforts and group intelligence," said Stefano Marzano, Chief Design Officer at Electrolux and Head of Jury. The Mab is an innovative concept which could be relevant to minimise the daily cleaning efforts of consumers as well as businesses, while maximising the results The second prize in the competition went to the Atomium 3D food printer, by Luiza Silva from Brazil, for a concept that "addresses the global issue of adopting healthy lifestyles and countering chronic diseases, with inspiration from the playfulness and creativity of children." Third prize went to Jeabyun Yeon from Korea for Breathing Wall. The jury's motivation was: "The Breathing Wall creates a relevant discussion about a future business model which is not just about making the appliances, but about generating propositions that could bring a poetic quality into the construction industry." The winning designs were selected from over 1,700 submissions from over 60 countries around the world. First prize is 5,000 euros and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design centre. Second prize is 3,000 euros and third prize is 2,000 euros. The idea of the design competition is to stimulate and activate design students on a global level by inviting them to present breakthrough ideas for future household environments.