Final answer:
Increasing automation does not necessarily mean it will take more time to revise products in R&D. It is a complex relationship that depends on various factors, such as the technology and processes used. The statement that higher automation always leads to longer R&D times is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that increasing automation rating necessarily leads to more time taken to revise products in R&D is false. Research and development is critical for improving technology, and while it is a time-consuming and uncertain endeavor, as exemplified by the University of Minnesota's 28-year apple breeding project, the relationship between automation and the time needed for R&D is not directly proportional. Automation can streamline and accelerate many processes, potentially reducing the time needed for product revisions in some cases. However, the effectiveness of R&D depends on the complexity of the technology being developed and the specific processes in place.