Inside the Robotic Overhaul of U.S. Pipe Inspection

Advanced robots are giving utilities 3D insight, sharper diagnostics, and smarter plans for aging underground infrastructure

11 Feb 2026

Beneath US cities and suburbs, utilities are deploying robotic systems to inspect water and sewer pipelines that in many cases were installed decades ago.

The machines, designed to crawl, float or travel through pressurised mains, are collecting data that until recently could not be gathered without taking systems offline. Companies including RedZone Robotics and Pure Technologies have developed platforms that combine high-resolution video with laser profiling, sonar, electromagnetic sensors and acoustic monitoring.

The result is more than visual footage. Utilities can now generate three-dimensional models of pipe interiors, measure wall thinning, identify corrosion and cracks, and assess joint displacement with greater precision. For asset owners managing networks built in the mid-20th century or earlier, the improved visibility offers a clearer basis for maintenance and investment decisions.

The shift reflects a broader change in how infrastructure is managed. Traditional closed-circuit television inspections provided limited visual checks. Many utilities are now piloting advanced programmes aimed at building defensible datasets that support long-term capital planning. Rather than relying on age-based assumptions, operators are moving towards risk-based prioritisation, using measured condition data to determine which assets require repair or replacement.

Public funding initiatives at federal and state level have encouraged utilities to test new inspection technologies. While robotic surveys do not in themselves reduce costs, more accurate information can help target rehabilitation work and avoid unnecessary full-scale replacements. Detailed records also support regulatory reporting and may strengthen applications for public financing.

Adoption brings challenges. Advanced systems require trained operators and careful interpretation of complex data. As inspection outputs are integrated into digital asset management platforms, utilities must also address cybersecurity and data governance risks.

With large parts of US water infrastructure nearing the end of their design life, industry groups expect demand for condition assessment to grow. For utilities facing rising repair costs and budget constraints, the ability to quantify risk is becoming central to long-term planning.