A floating air purifier which cleans and filters a room in total silence has won a prestigious design award.
The Aeroball by Jan Ankiersztajn from Poland was awarded first prize in the Electrolux Design Lab 2012 contest.
The concept involves luminescent, helium-filled balls which hover in mid-air as they work before drifting down to the ground when they are ready to be refilled.
"Aeroball is a truly innovative concept that uses space in a unique way and delights our surroundings," said Thomas Johansson, Design Director at Electrolux and head of the jury.
"It also changes our perception of an air cleaner, because it is delicate in aesthetics, it is emotional and also relevant, because it addresses the consumer's needs."
The winners of the 10th annual Electrolux Design Lab competition, which is open to undergraduate and graduate design students, were announced at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.
Second prize went to a concept for a refrigerated wall which allow users to press bottles and containers directly into its surface.
Designed by Ben de la Roche from New Zealand, 'Impress' uses thermo-acoustic technology and gases such as argon and helium that are non-ozone depleting and harmless to the environment.
Third place went to Tastee - a spoon which is able to taste a recipe and tell you what ingredients are missing.
Christopher Holm-Hansen, from Denmark, designed the spoon, which utilises receptors based on the human taste bud.
First prize is 5,000 euros and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design center. Second prize is 3,000 euros and third prize of 2,000 euros.