0818 66 33 33
24/7 Emergency Nationwide
What Is Robotic Cutting?
Robotic cutting is a trenchless method using remotely operated cutters to remove obstructions in pipelines, laterals, and sewer mains across Ireland.
20+ Years
Experience
Nationwide
Coverage
3 Hour
Emergency Response
Fully Licensed
& Insured
MCBREEN ENVIRONMENTAL
What Our Robotic Cutting Services Include
Equipment Types & Cutting Heads
• Cosmic C120 Robotic Cutter: handles 100mm to 600mm pipe diameters.
• IBG-60 Systems: suitable for larger ranges (450mm-800mm).
• Variety of cutter heads to tackle different materials: diamond milling heads, saw heads, etc.Obstructions We Can Cut / Remove
• Tree roots, root ingress in pipes
• Intruding lateral connections
• Heavy scale, concrete, rock or hardened deposits
• Built up blockages from failed lining, grout, brick, metal, etc.Process & Workflow
CCTV survey to locate obstruction & assess condition
Select appropriate cutter, plan debris containment & safety measures
Insert the cutter via manhole or pipe access; remote control navigation to the obstruction
Cut/grind/mill obstruction; continuously monitor via CCTV
Clean up: jetting or vacuum to remove debris and flush the waste disposal
Post-cut verification: CCTV or flow test to ensure full clearance
Performance & Turnaround
• Minimal disruption compared to excavation
• Faster repairs: many jobs completed in hours once access & prep are done
• Savings in cost, waste, and environmental impact
Safety, Compliance & Best Practice
Operatives are fully trained in confined space entry, use of CCTV rigs, cutter operation, PPE, and emergency procedures.
All work is done following health & safety regulations; risk assessments are performed before entry.
Environmental precautions: containment of cut debris, avoiding damage to pipe structure, and disposal of waste in licensed facilities.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Our Commercial Services
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IRELAND NATIONWIDE SERVICES
Sectors & Use Cases
We provide robotic cutting for:
Municipal sewers & drainage networks
Industrial sites: factories, chemical plants, food & beverage, etc.
Housing developments & commercial estates
After relining jobs to reopen lateral connections
Forecourts, car parks, and retail infrastructure where excavation is disruptive
Cost, Time & What Influences Them
Factors that affect cost and scheduling:
Type of obstruction (hard concrete vs soft roots vs debris)
Pipe diameter & access (length from access point, number of bends)
Whether prior CCTV / survey work is needed
Transport/mobilisation of equipment
Required cleanup, debris removal, and testing post-cut
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use robotic cutting vs drain jetting or relining?
Use robotic cutting when there are hard or embedded obstructions (roots, concrete, intruding laterals) that water jetting won’t remove, and when you want minimal disruption compared to excavation or full relining.
What pipe sizes and materials can the cutter handle?
Typically from ~100mm up to 800mm depending on system; materials like plastic, vitrified clay, concrete, and metal intrusions are addressable with appropriate cutter heads.
Is there a risk of damaging the existing pipe or lining?
If done correctly with good survey & control, risk is low. But damaged or thin pipe walls, or very tight bends, can pose challenges. Pre-survey and selecting the proper cutter heads are essential.
What does the report/verification look like after cutting?
You’ll get before & after CCTV footage/photos, confirmation of obstruction removal, possibly measurements, and if needed, flow/integrity tests.
How quickly can you mobilise robotic cutting?
Depends on site location, access, and survey, but many jobs can be scheduled rapidly once the site is assessed. Emergency or urgent blockage cases often get priority.