A borescope is an optical instrument designed to assist visual inspection of narrow, difficult-to-reach cavities, consisting of a rigid or flexible tube with an eyepiece or display on one end, an objective lens or camera on the otherlinked together by an optical or electrical system in between.

Inspectors visually assess the external surface and accessible internal components for cleanliness, visible defects, anomalies, or signs of damage. This is the initial step in piping and equipment inspection to determine the need for further testingor maintenance actions.

A video borescope or videoscope is similar to the flexible borescope, capture video or still images deep within pipes, equipment, engines and other limited spaces.