The HIP4081 is used to drive 4 large n-channel power MOSFETs in an H-bridge configuration. Such an H-bridge can power large motors (100's to 1000's of watts), but need careful design and testing. Its not really a beginner's project - there is an open-source motor controller project (OSMC.org I think) which has designs using the HIP4081.
The good things the HIP4081 brings to the party are: configurable shoot-through prevention, bias voltage generation for high-side n-channel MOSFETs, high current gate drivers for high and low side, very high frequency operation, upto 80V supply voltage.
You can of course use the HIP4081 for a low-power H-bridge, but its not the cheapest/simplest option. I've used a LMD18200T for that before, which has everything in one device ( I think its 36V 3A or similar )