In this paper the working principle and performance character of both the manual and automatic Vicat apparatuses in existence are compared and analyzed,and their existing weakness and the urgent problem to be solved are pointed out.On this basis,adopting the technology of mechatronics and modern sensors,a new sort of full automatic Vicat apparatus that can fully satisfy the national standard in testing the setting time of the cement has been developed.This apparatus can be operated expediently with high precision,the test results are to be analyzed and computed automatically.This paper presents the working principle,performance character,key technology and prospect of application for the full automatic Vicat apparatus.