Exhibits an intrinsic ATPase activity that is stimulated by both 70S ribosomes and 30S ribosomal subunits. Could be involved in protein-chain elongation and in release of deacyl-tRNA from ribosomes after peptide bond synthesis. Stimulates the synthesis of polyphenylalanine in vitro. Hygromycin B inhibits RbbA ATPase activity and releases RbbA from 70S ribosomes. Interacts with both 70S ribosomes and 30S ribosomal subunits, and with 16S RNA (PubMed:10607404, PubMed:11168361, PubMed:16495476). Binds EF-Tu (PubMed:11168361). Co-purifies with the inner membrane protein YhjD (PubMed:21556145). Deletion mutant is slightly elongated at both 15 and 32 degrees Celsius and displays a significant loss of translation fidelity. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the ABC-2 integral membrane protein family. Belongs to the ABC transporter superfamily.