Switching processes are the elementary steps in most sophisticated functions in the macroscopic world, as well as at the molecular level. Photochromic compounds are most frequently used as molecular switches, and among them azobenzene derivatives are most popular. Our goals are threefold. First, we want to improve the switching properties of azobenzene. Second, we aim at modifying the parent compound by proper substitution. Finally, we change the molecular framework to perform more sophisticated tasks. Recently, we discovered that diazocines are better suited to our task than simple azobenzenes. We are currently designing new diazocines with the ultimate goal to build a “molecular assembler”. These compounds are similar to ATP synthase in that they are driven by an external energy source (light) and fabricate molecules in a predetermined machine-like process.