Egyptian app developer Ahmed El-Kholy has launched Manetho, a groundbreaking mobile application described as the world’s first real-time hieroglyphic translator powered by artificial intelligence. The app aims to transform how visitors interact with Egypt’s ancient artifacts by making their stories instantly accessible.
Key Features
Manetho combines advanced technology with expert knowledge to create a unique museum experience:
- Real-Time Translation: Users can point their phone’s camera at hieroglyphic inscriptions to see an instant translation in modern languages like English and Arabic.
- Augmented Reality (AR): The app brings artifacts to life, allowing historical figures like Queen Nefertiti to animate and narrate their own stories.
- Award-Winning Tech: The app won first place in the 2024 Huawei Developer Competition for Egypt and North Africa.
- Expert-Backed: Manetho was developed by a team of over 16 technicians and respected Egyptology experts.
Bringing Ancient Egypt to Life
The idea for Manetho was born from a common frustration among museum visitors. “We used to go to museums and temples to just watch and take photos without understanding what the inscriptions meant,” explained El-Kholy, a 2024 computer science graduate. “We realized we needed something to translate them instantly.” By simply pointing a phone at an artifact, users can now read the ancient texts, turning a passive viewing into an active learning experience.
More Than a Translator: An Augmented Reality Experience
Beyond its powerful translation capabilities, Manetho uses augmented reality to create a more immersive and engaging visit. In one feature, an AR animation of Queen Nefertiti greets visitors and tells her story in Arabic. In another, a marble bust of the Greek queen Niobe speaks in English. This storytelling element provides deeper context and brings history to life in a dynamic new way.
Homegrown Innovation with Global Recognition
Developed by El-Kholy and his dedicated team, Manetho has already received significant accolades, including winning the regional Huawei Developer Competition. This success secured the project a spot in the global finals in China and garnered support from Huawei’s startup program, which provides crucial technical resources, training, and cloud infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cultural Tourism
El-Kholy’s vision for the future is even more ambitious, with plans to incorporate virtual reality (VR) into the experience. This would allow museum-goers to virtually explore ancient tombs or view 3D statues as they “tell” their stories, further deepening the connection between visitors and Egypt’s unparalleled cultural heritage.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
