Automation Glossary R

Random Access Memory (RAM): The portion of memory with the capability to both read and write information.
Rapid prototyping: A process that avoids creating conventional tooling thereby limiting investment expense while new parts or products are tested for feasibility of manufacture.
Read Only Memory (ROM): Is memory used for system functions without the capability of being rewritten.
Real time: The current time or moment when a process or event is occurring.
Recovery Time: The length of time which it takes a transducer to return to normal after applying a proof pressure.
Redundancy: The capacity to switch from primary equipment to standby equipment automatically without affecting the process under control, in order to enhance reliability.
Relay: An electromechanical device for remote or automatic control that is actuated by variation in conditions of an electric current. The relay operates other devices in the same or a different circuit.
Relay ladder logic: This programming language expresses a program as a series of "coils" and "contacts", simulating the operation of electromechanical relays. The resultant program is the equivalent of a Boolean equation, which is executed continuously in a combinatorial manner. The advantage of this language is the familiarity many electricians have with the simple operation of relays. Disadvantages include the complexity of large, cross-connected programs, and the difficulty of expressing such non-binary functions as motion control and analog I/O.
Remote access: Access to a network in another location.
Repeatability: The variability of the end-effector's position and orientation as the robot makes the same moves under the same conditions (load, temp, etc.)
Request for proposal (RFP): See User Requirement Specifications (URS).
Requirements: Also see URS. Customers have requirements or needs. If organizations are listening to customers, they will clearly identify customer requirements. The challenge for organizations is to translate these requirements into precise product/service specification.
Research & development (R&D): New product design and development is more often than not a crucial factor in an industry that is changing fast. Firms must continually revise their design and range of products. This is necessary due to continuous technology change and development as well as other competitors and the changing preference of customers.
Resolver: A position transducer that uses magnetic coupling to measure absolute shaft position during one revolution.

Retrospective process validation: Validation that is based on accumulated historical manufacturing, testing, control, and other data for a product already being produced using an automated production system.
Reverse engineering: The disassembly and analysis of a competing product or system to evaluate its comparative strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the possible manufacture of a similar item.
Rework: Repeated work required when a process fails or standards are missed.
Ribbon cable: A flat cable in which the conductors are arranged side-by-side. Also called flat-ribbon cable.
Robotics: The study of the design and use of robots, particularly for their use in manufacturing and related processes.
Roller: A round part free to revolve about its outer surface. The face may be straight, tapered or crowned. Rollers may also serve as the rolling support for the load being conveyed.
Roller bed: A series of rollers used to support a conveying medium.
Roller conveyor: Series of rollers supported in a frame over which objects are advanced manually, by gravity or by power.
RS232: A standard for serial transmission of data between two devices. This defines the pin and plug in terms of size, shape and number of pins. An interface based on the RS232 standard.
RS422: A standard for serial transmission of data between two devices. This defines the pin and plug in terms of size, shape and number of pins. An interface based on the RS422 standard. Allows longer distances between devices than RS232.
RS485: A standard for serial transmission of data between multiple devices. This defines the pin and plug in terms of size, shape and number of pins. An interface based on the RS485 standard.

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