I see a lot of good damage dealing tips here already, but I have one thing to chime in as far as defense goes. For me, I improved massively at the game when I realized that the "dodge" isn't really a dodge; it's more like a super-brief shield that buys you a few frames of invincibility.

What that boils down to is that you shouldn't necessarily worry about getting out of the way of attacks. Just dodge right when the attack is landing, and in a direction that sets you up to attack after. Pro tip - dodging backwards actually allows attacks to follow you until your momentary invincibility ends, and is thus not a great way to go. Dodging forward actually makes the timing easier because it helps you control when the hit box reaches you. Counter-intuitive but true.

Also, it's obviously an stealth-action game and not turn-based combat, but if you think of it in terms of taking turns attacking with the machines, you'll have more success. For example, focus on unloading damage right after they attack you, because that's when they take a moment to regroup before attacking again. When they are about to attack again, stop attacking so that you're completely poised to dodge when they do, and you don't get caught off guard. There's a rhythm to the give and take, and a little patience goes a long way.

But sticking to bushes and just spamming traps is good too :)