'A living object expressing both the uniqueness of the individual and the common rhythm of humanity.' This was the concept behind the stunning technological reality of the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Baton.

The Baton was designed by a company called IDEO and is constructed of machined aluminium with the handle plated for conductivity. It weighs 1.69 kg, reaches over 710mm, and is 42.5mm to 85mm in diameter. The Queen’s message itself is held in an aluminium capsule inserted into the top of the Baton. On either side of the Baton are two sterling silver coins, designed by Mappin and Webb, which celebrate the City of Manchester as host of the XVII Commonwealth Games.

But the true wonders of the Baton are the sensors inside, which detect and monitor the Runner’s pulse rate. This information is conveyed to a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), via a light behaviour module. The lens then transforms the LEDs into a shaft of bright blue pulsating light which synchronises with each new Runner. The hearts of the Runner and the Baton beat as one until it is passed on, symbolising the journey of humanity and the essence of life.

The Baton will begin to beat when it is handed to Her Majesty The Queen, on March 11 2002 at Buckingham Palace, for the start of The Queen’s Jubilee Baton Relay. When it finishes its journey, finally reaching the City of Manchester Stadium on 25 July 2002, The Queen will release the capsule from the Baton and read the message within to the Commonwealth Nations.