The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.