In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for proactively improving machine translation in real time by processing a translation request includes: receiving the translation request from a mobile device; and either generating or retrieving translation information based on a result of either or both of: determining whether the translation request includes image data suitable for generating a machine translation; and determining whether the translation request includes metadata suitable for generating an estimated translation. In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for proactively improving machine translation in real time by generating and submitting a translation request includes: capturing image data; evaluating one or more conditions corresponding to the captured image data; generating metadata corresponding to the captured image data; and generating and submitting the translation request to a machine translation platform. Corresponding systems and computer program products are also disclosed.