In all forms of life, molecular motors are indispensable for transporting molecular building blocks inside cells, for maintaining DNA, and for generating (muscle-based) motion. Only recently, mankind has developed the ability to build synthetic molecular motors and machines and to control these with light. In this project, researchers from various disciplines will join forces to unravel the design-principles of synthetic nanomachines, to design motorized nanoscale building blocks and to demonstrate the first light-controlled artificial muscles and conveyor belts. These discoveries enable mankind to pursue new applications such as in nanomedicine and in the design of adaptive, mobile, and self-healing materials.