I can't help with the main question (automated skip empty tape) but a few words based on my own recent and ongoing experience of transferring VHS tapes to digital.
When were the tapes last played? If it's some years (5+ or worse?) then there's a danger the tapes are a little "stuck" together at some points.
I "Fast Wind Forwarded" them (not fast forward play) to free up any such sticking points. The VHS player showed what recorded time was being passed on its display, and stopped increasing this time figure when nothing was on the tape. I let them run on a bit to check it wasn't just a gap in recordings, then rewound. I understand that not all players will display this time figure when forward winding as opposed to FF playing. The PROBLEM I had was that those tapes that were a bit stuck completely F'd the player's ability to play the tapes, by stretching the drive belts (I think) when it came to a sticking point. I can now use both these players (yes, I F'd two of them...) just for forwarding and rewinding. I have a third player that is used for playing the freed-up tapes only. It's a friend's, so I have to be careful :(
Not the technical answer you need, but maybe a useful warning.
Phil