The most advanced level of knowledge and technology currently achieved in any field at any given time
the highest level of development at a particular time (especially the present time); "state-of-the-art technology
An engineering term normally implying the state of knowledge available in a field of science or engineering This is often derived from either a survey of the open scientific literature, or in the case of products/processes, a patent search of inventions in the general subject area can be useful proof The purpose is not to reinvent the wheel and to avoid patent infringement battles at a later date of product development
If you describe something as state-of-the-art, you mean that it is the best available because it has been made using the most modern techniques and technology. the production of state-of-the-art military equipment. using the most modern and recently developed methods, materials, or knowledge
Pertains to equipment whose performance is as good as the technology allows The best sound equipment money can buy
the highest level of development at a particular time (especially the present time); "state-of-the-art technology"