Trying to put back mechanics into quantum mechanics, in this talk I will discuss how to optically drive mechanical systems and explore the possibility to observe quantum effects at the mesoscopic scale using opto-mechanics. I will illustrate a roadmap, based on the use of light and massive mechanical systems, aimed at the design and realisation of quantum thermal machines. Moreover, should time allow it, I will briefly discuss the possibility to infer collapse models that are alternative to the standard formulation of decoherence mechanisms though the use of opto-mechanical devices.