We present the results of our investigations into the photo-mechanical response of polymers with embedded Azobenzene molecules. These switching molecules can be found in the stable trans- or the meta-stable cis-configuration where the trans-cis-isomerization can be triggered by light of a specific wavelength. The research consists of a theoretical approach combined with real-life experiments. In the former we formulate a continuum modeling approach describing the behavior visible on the macro-scale. Therein, we couple the mechanical response to the behavior of the switching molecules and the incident light which is represented by an electric field. This theoretical approach is accompanied by photo-mechanical experiments performed with polymers with varying stiffness mixed with Azobenzene molecules. The properties of these chromophores can be altered by the modification of the side-chains attached to the molecular switch. These Azobenzene molecules are provided by Prof. Wegner (Giessen University). In order to obtain information on the response of the material on the macroscale we use uniaxial relaxation experiments. These are performed with and without UV-light illumination. In order to allow for a sensible comparison between these experiments and the simulations we use a polarized light source. Ultimately, the combination of both experiments will provide a detailed characterization of the material.