An aging network in combination with stricter stakeholder requirements force the Dutch drinking water sector to improve the asset management of their water transport and distribution networks. Autonomous inspection robots (AIRs) provide a means to obtain knowledge on the condition of more pipes against lower cost, resulting in more focused rehabilitations and replacements, reduction of water loss through leakage, and a better knowledge and understanding of the system. In this paper, we describe the concept, a first prototype, and further steps that are currently being taken towards the development and application of this tool.